Every Move Matters: A FREE Keynote Event

What if movement wasn’t something we had to find time for—but simply a natural part of childhood? Join Northumberland County and Active for Life for a free, engaging keynote event exploring why active play and movement are so important in the early years of childhood—and how we can make them a bigger part of everyday life. Designed for parents and families, Early Years professionals, educators, child care providers, community organizations and anyone who supports young children, this event will explore the powerful role movement plays in children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

Why does active play matter?

In today’s digital world, opportunities for active play are increasingly competing with screens, busy schedules, safety concerns and changing social norms. But movement is much more than a way to keep children physically active. Active play is an important part of how young children learn, develop and connect with the world around them. The early years—particularly ages six and under—are a critical period for brain development. Movement and active play stimulate brain activity and help strengthen the neural pathways involved in learning, problem-solving, emotional regulation and social connection. And the good news? Movement doesn’t need to be another task on the to-do list. It can be simple, playful and woven into everyday life.

What you’ll learn

During this keynote presentation, you will:

• Learn how movement through active play is a natural, effective and simple way to support brain development
• Explore how active play has changed in the digital age and what this can mean for children’s development
• Discover practical ways to encourage active play in everyday settings at home, in child care, at school and in the community
• Learn about physical literacy and why developing movement skills is an important foundation for lifelong physical activity, learning and self-regulation
• Consider the barriers to active play in our homes, schools and communities and explore practical solutions that can work in real-world settings
• See active play in action through a real-world example of the Learn Through Active Play (LTAP) program in child care settings

Who should attend?

This event is open to everyone and is especially relevant for:

• Parents, caregiver, families and expectant parents
• Early Years professionals and child care providers
• Educators and school staff
• Recreation and community organizations
• Health and social service professionals
• Community partners and agencies
• Anyone interested in supporting healthy, active childhoods

No previous knowledge or experience is required. Come ready to learn, ask questions and explore simple ways we can make movement and active play part of everyday childhood.

Meet the keynote speaker

Richard Monette is a social innovator with more than 35 years of experience across education, sport psychology, and organizational development. His work focuses on helping people and organizations do meaningful, purposeful work in real-world conditions and constraints. As part of the leadership team at B2ten, Richard created and leads Active for Life (AfL), a national not-for-profit initiative that provides practical, evidence-informed resources to support parents and educators. AfL initiatives include Learn Through Active Play, a professional development program that helps early childhood educators make learning through active play a regular part of daily practice in childcare settings, supporting children’s development and readiness for school and a better learning and work environment.

About Active for Life

Active for Life (AfL) is a not-for-profit national initiative funded by B2ten, a Canadian registered charity. Launched in 2012, AfL supports the development of children ages 0 to 12 by equipping parents and educators with resources and training to build habits in movement, active play, and screen use to support continued healthy behaviours into adolescence and adulthood.

In doing this work, AfL focuses on the two environments where children’s lifelong movement habits are formed: the family and the childcare sector.

For more information, visit the Active for Life website. Their website offers practical guidance, articles, and downloadable materials, all free of charge. Content is available in both official languages, with many resources translated into twelve additional languages.

Event details

• Date: Saturday, October 3
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Theatre at Cobourg Collegiate Institute 335 King St E, Cobourg
• Cost: Free
• Registration: Register on this page by October 1 — Registration required for both attendees and children requiring child minding.

This event is organized by Northumberland County, Northumberland EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Active for Life. Promoted in partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) and The Community Training and Development Centre (CTDC).