Active Early Learning - a physical literacy based curriculum for early learning centres
Curriculum
Active Early Learning (AEL) is a physical literacy based curriculum designed for early learning centres. The curriculum develops physical, psychological, social and cognitive capabilities in young children needed for a physically active lifestyle and school readiness.
Collaboration
The development of the AEL curriculum is lead by the University of Canberra and initiated and supported by Edge Early Learning and Harmony Early Learning Journey. The project also necessitates wide multidisciplinary collaboration to include Australian and international expertise.
Research
The AEL curriculum has been evaluated in 16 early learning centres. The study included educator training and support to deliver the curriculum linking into the early years learning framework.
The impact of the AEL program has been peer reviewed and published.
Publications
Physical activity intervention improves executive function and language development during early childhood: The active early learning cluster randomized controlled trial. LS Olive, RM Telford, E Westrupp, RD Telford, Child Development, 2023
A peer coach intervention in childcare centres enhances early childhood physical activity: The Active Early Learning (AEL) cluster randomised controlled trial. RM Telford, LS Olive, RD Telford. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 18 (1), 1-11, 2021
The effect of a 6-month physical literacy intervention on preschool children's gross and fine motor skill: The Active Early Learning randomised controlled trial. RM Telford, LS Olive, RD Telford, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 25 (8), 655-660, 2022
Heart rate variability improves in 3–5-year-old children following a 6-month physical activity-based intervention: the Active Early Learning (AEL) cluster randomised controlled trial. KE Speer, AJ McKune, RM Telford, S Semple, N Naumovski, LS Olive, RD Telford, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 47 (1), 51-59, 2022
Relationship between heart rate variability and body mass index: A cross-sectional study of preschool children. KE Speer, J Koenig, RM Telford, LS Olive, JK Mara, S Semple, N Naumovski, RD Telford, AJ McKune, Preventive Medicine Reports 24, 101638, 2022
