Månesköldskolan in Lidköping organized a lively schoolyard party as part of the Make a Move project. The party offered both children and adults an opportunity to try out different sports and activities, while highlighting new opportunities for active leisure for all ages.
- It was great fun, so fun to try lots of different sports! I had never tried orienteering before, but it was fun. It was fun to show off the schoolyard to my family and do things together," says Lillie, 9 years old and a student at the school.
- There's a great atmosphere here today and it's great that we can showcase several options for active leisure through our local sports clubs," says Julia Hildorzon, project manager for Make a Move.
Children from pre-school to grade 6 participated together with their guardians, grandparents or other close adults. In the schoolyard, a wide range of activities from roller skiing and orienteering to martial arts, football, dance, floorball, table tennis, tennis and boules were enjoyed by children and adults alike.
In addition to the taster activities, there were other activities in the spirit of Make a Move. During the movement bingo, children, together with their guardians and siblings, tried out different movements in a playful way. A wishing well put the children's creativity to the test when they were asked to suggest what their dream schoolyard would look like. One of the children exclaimed in surprise: "Can I really wish for what I want?"
- All the suggestions we received for the wishing well were handed over to the school so that they can share the children's thoughts and ideas. This is an example of how to increase children's participation in school," says Julia.
The schoolyard party also coincided with Suicide Prevention Day and Dance for Life, which raises awareness of mental health issues. Many of the children had previously practiced a dance to the song Broken Arrows by Avicii, which they performed during the party.
- All in all, it was a very successful activity filled with joy and movement. One reflection from the day is that when the children got to try out different activities together with a close adult, their confidence increased and they dared to try more new things and challenge themselves. Another valuable added value is that several guardians have expressed afterwards that their children who have not yet started school have now gained a positive feeling for the schoolyard. By participating in activities, they have discovered the schoolyard as a place of movement and community, which can create a sense of belonging even before they start school," concludes Julia.
In conclusion, the schoolyard party at Månesköld School was a great success and a fantastic example of how to increase the joy of movement and community for different generations. The event also has a ripple effect in terms of creating new conditions for active and healthy leisure time for children and adults.
