What does Bluearth do?
We change kids’ lives through movement and mindfulness. We provide the building blocks to support active play in childhood, helping kids live better – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Our programs and projects use physical activity to improve children’s physical, social, cognitive and emotional development and wellbeing. Our Bluearth coaches provide students with the skills and motivation they need to experience the simple joy of moving so that they can live healthy, active lives well into the future.
Our work includes:
Why will I live better if I move more?
The statement, ‘Move more, live better’, encapsulates our mission. We know that people who incorporate movement into their everyday lives have better physical, mental and social wellbeing. Helping our kids to learn to be active in their early years, supports them to develop lifelong habits, and have better physical, mental and social outcomes as they age.
Why are you called Bluearth?
The name Bluearth reminds us that sometimes we need to take a step back to see what is really important. To develop a child, we need to step back and see the whole child, a complex matrix of interrelated systems and emotions that all need to be considered in their development. From space when we see our planet in its entirety it appears as a blue ball, Bluearth. “Bluearth” developed to remind us of this approach and mindset. It reminds us to pause and focus on what is truly important. For us, we are dedicated to helping all people move more, live better so they can enjoy long, happy lives.
Why is getting active important?
Exercising regularly means we get to live better in old age. We work with our youngest generation so that they learn to love getting active and can gain an understanding as to why it is so important. With sedentary living on the rise and 4 out of 5 children not meeting the daily recommended levels of physical activity, the best thing we can do is to give them the tools to live healthier and happier lives.
What regions do you work in?
Our programs run Australia-wide. We work in both urban and rural communities to help kids move more, live better.
Our program has a powerful impact in disadvantaged areas, building relationships and improving wellbeing, for both participating children and their families.
We work in Indigenous communities in Alice Springs and surrounding remote communities, and the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.
What is the Active Schools Program?
Bluearth’s Active Schools Program creates a ‘movement’ culture within schools, using physical activity and mindfulness to improve children’s physical, social, mental and emotional wellbeing. Our approach improves children’s academic outcomes and develops self-respect, respect for others, resilience and cooperation, resulting in stronger connections and engagement with their schools.
What are our Early Childhood Projects?
Bluearth’s work in early childhood settings builds on existing research demonstrating the key role of active play in learning, development and school readiness. Bluearth provide educators, parents and carers with ideas and opportunities to use active play to support children’s development and to strengthen connections between adults and young children.
What is “active play”?
Active play is exploratory movement that engages a child with their primary carer. It is any form of physical activity – be that running, climbing, hopping, catching, throwing – that aids children in their development. Active play improves social, cognitive and emotional development and is therefore particularly important for early years.
What is the Active Leaders Program?
This program builds on the Active Schools Program and engages targeted students in specialised leadership activities. It provides a platform for students in upper primary and early secondary school to develop skills, strategies and coping mechanisms relative to the critical stage of their emotional and social growth.
We use movement as a learning vehicle, where students are guided through a structured program that creates active leaders within the school community. At the completion of the program, students have developed into true leaders who advocate for the importance of health and wellbeing throughout their school and wider community.
Active Leaders plan and deliver two events at the end of their year in the program: one event is for the whole school, the other invites engagement from their wider community.
What are our Indigenous Programs?
We work in partnership with Indigenous leaders to deliver our programs into Indigenous communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. We use physical activity to increase school attendance and educational outcomes, and to increase the capacity of Indigenous families and communities to engage with schools.
How can I get my school involved?
There are a number of ways you can get your school involved with us. We have the tools to help you lobby for an active school and approach your school about incorporating the Bluearth program.
We also have an assessment tool which can help you determine how active your school is and how small changes each day can help to enhance your school’s physical activity levels.
If you would like further guidance on how to get involved with Bluearth you can contact us here.
Can my school do a one-off session?
Contact us to find out more about how we can support you.
What is different about Bluearth?
Whilst other organisations offer guidance and tools through online platforms, we work at a deeper level; providing face to face coaching and support to participating schools. We work in partnership with principals, teachers and schools to develop cultures that incorporate movement into everyday life. We find that working collaboratively like this, and using a values-based approach, delivers sustainable change.
Our programs are evidence based and innovative. They align to the World Health Organisation’s model for health promoting schools: a model the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing supports throughout their Healthy and Active school communities’ initiative.
We keep our programs up to date and map them against the national Health and Physical Education Curriculum and each Australian state and territory physical education curriculum.
Our approach is hands on. We incorporate the latest evidence on the importance of movement and mindfulness.
How can I get my kids more active at home?
We have the tools and tips to support you to be active with your kids at home. There are so many fun and engaging ways you can move as a family. Partaking in movement as a team strengthens family connections and has been proven to positively impact how children perceive exercise. As a carer, you can be a role model to your children, demonstrating that moving more is fun and accessible!
How can I use my role as a teacher to get my class more active?
As a teacher, you can play a pivotal role in creating an active classroom. We have a wealth of resources that will support you to do this.
How can I fundraise for Bluearth?
We run a number of fundraising events throughout the year and would love to have you on board.
Or, become an advocate for Bluearth and lobby for the introduction of our program in your school/workplace to make active change happen!
Alternatively Donate here.
What can Bluearth do for corporates?
We offer sessions for corporates and have tips to help you move more, live better in your workplace.
How do I become a coach?
We are always on the lookout for passionate people to join our team of professionals who are committed to making movement a part of everyday life.