Tumblebugs
Fun and safe basic movement activities for children in their early years
Joy of Movement
Tumblebugs is an introductory program for basic movement and modified gymnastics that is fun, safe, inclusive and developmentally appropriate for 3 ½ to 5-year-old children in early childhood settings. The consistent and progressive activity plans include both active and quiet segments with directed and exploratory learning. Tumblebugs is about fundamental movement skills that support healthy growth and development, and improve physical literacy.
Healthy Development
Research indicates the importance of physical activity for children in the early years. Physical activity in a supportive environment helps a child learn how to maneuver their body and be creative while developing social skills and self-esteem. Being active also enhances healthy development and increases the likelihood of being active as they age. In Nova Scotia, by grade 11 less than 4% are active enough.
While unstructured active play is necessary, the Tumblebugs program offers an option for guided activity with learning outcomes. These activities strengthen the range of foundational motor skills that children need to enhance daily living and participate in play, recreation and sport.
Tumblebugs Happens Here
Tumblebugs was developed purposely for educators and leaders from early childhood settings and programs. Such practitioners have been trained and use the program in child care centres, grade primary, family resource centres, municipal recreation programs and recreation organizations. With a foundation in early childhood care or education, you do not need previous training in fitness, physical education, sport or coaching for this introductory basic movement program.
Becoming a Tumblebugs Leader
After a half-day workshop you will be ready to lead children in simple activities that help them be physically active and learn about themselves. You will learn how to:
- Ensure safety and reduce risk
- Set-up space and use equipment
- Demonstrate and safely teach all movements
- Lead the activities
- Understand how to flexibly use activity plans
- Keep it playful and fun
Services, Resources and Fees
Fees for the Tumblebugs workshop and activity book are affordable. A specially assembled bag of equipment is reasonably priced. In some circumstances, at the discretion of workshop providers, the resources or workshops may be subsidized.
- Tumblebugs Workshop Registration Fee $ 30 per person (includes Leader Workbook)
- Tumblebugs Activity Book $25
- Tumblebugs Equipment Kit $150 (includes Activity Book)
* Shipping costs are additional
Purchasing the Tumblebugs bag of equipment is encouraged, but optional. Your existing equipment may be appropriate.
A series of leaflets for parents are available for downloading in both English and French (to be posted soon). The leaflets help parents support their child’s development of fundamental movement skills and simply to have fun being active every day.
Workshops Close to Home
Training is offered through authorized organizations and some early childhood education institutions. Contact the Tumblebugs coordinator in your region (Please see below) to learn about upcoming workshops in your area or to arrange a Regional Trainer to deliver a workshop for your group.
Background
Tumblebugs was created in Nova Scotia and began in 2003. Tumblebugs is lead by Gymnastics Nova Scotia, as an initiative affiliated with the Active Kids Healthy Kids strategy from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, with further partnership from the Department of Education.
 
Contact Us
The delivery of Tumblebugs is collaborative between early childhood education and care with physical activity, sport and recreation fields.
To learn about Tumblebugs workshops near you
Cape Breton (Inverness, Victoria, Richmond, Cape Breton)
New regional coordinator TBA. In the meantime, contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia.
Central (Halifax Regional Municipality)
Executive Director at GNS
gns@sportnovascotia.ca
902-425-5450 ext.338
Mary Kikuchi, Tumblebugs Master Trainer
tumblebugs.gns@gmail.com
Fundy (Cumberland, Colchester, East Hants)
Matt Pryde, Fundy Active Communities Coordinator
Matthew.Pryde@gov.ns.ca
902-896-2200
Highland (Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough)
Eric Lumsden, Highland Active Communities Coordinator
Eric.Lumsden@gov.ns.ca
902-863-7395
South Shore (Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg)
Peter McCracken, Physical Activity Capacity Coordinator
Peter.McCracken@gov.ns.ca
902-634-7504
Valley (Digby, Annapolis, Kings, West Hants)
Jan Chipman, Tumblebugs Master Trainer
tumblebugs.gns@gmail.com
To purchase Tumblebug resources contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia at 902-425-5450 ext.338 or gns@sportnovascotia.ca.
To learn more about Tumblebugs or become a Regional Trainer, contact Mary Kikuchi and Jan Chipman at tumblebugs.gns@gmail.com.
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