What is Kiddikins?
Kiddikins is a pre-kindergarten aged program based on kinesthetic learning or learning through movement. Kiddikins provides instructors with the instruction and equipment necessary to offer a dynamic learning experience. Curricular topics include the recognition of colors, numbers, letters, shapes and concepts including same and different, opposites, simple science and more. Kiddikins was developed in British Columbia, Canada in 2001. After being tested in recreation centers, daycares and preschools, Kiddikins is now offered in B.C., Alberta and the Yukon.

How is Kiddikins different?
Kiddikins offers learning through movement. While playing Educational Movement Games children learn physical, cognitive and social skills. Most games are introduced using a concept story followed by a physical skill (i.e running, jumping, balance). The final game incorporates the concept of the story and the physical skill to create learning through movement.

What age range is Kiddikins appropriate for?
Kiddikins is age appropriate for one year pre-kindergarten. Kids can be 3¾ years old in September, however must turn four years old by Dec. 31 of that year. Kids turning four years old between September and December should plan to start kindergarten the following September. Quest Leisure Ltd. does not recommend the program to kids under 3¾ years.

How many kids can attend? Maximum? Minimum?
The maximum number is ten (10) kids per class, however the class can be offered to a minimum of six (6) kids.

How many staff members are needed?
One instructor is required to offer Kiddikins, however if a second instructor is financially accessible - two instructors would provide a lower child:instructor ratio.

The Kiddikins Educational Movement Games are repeated. Do the kids get bored?
Kiddikins Educational Movement Games (EMGs) are introduced and repeated during the following 2-3 classes. By the third time, the game is played efficiently. Throughout the set, games are added and removed. Near the end of the set, the major concept games are reviewed and repeated. On the last class of each set, the instructor is encouraged to offer a Special Day Celebration. On this day, kids demonstrate to family and friends some of the EMGs played during the set.

Is Kiddikins suitable for kids with different learning abilities and challenges?
Kiddikins has been used with many kids including those with different learning abilities and challenges. As with most programs, the ability to participate depends on the severity of the condition. Kids with more severe challenges could possibly participate if accompanied by a qualified aid.

Does Kiddikins contain any religious content?
Kiddikins does not include formal religious content. There is a page in a color book representing the winter season and the color red that includes red lights on a decorated Christmas tree and a gift with a red bow.

Does Kiddikins contain any controversial subjects?
Kiddikins does not include controversial subjects. There is a page in a color book representing the color black that includes a black cat, a black lamp post, a black spider and a black house. The character in the picture has black hair and a black cloud is partially covering the moon. There are also black bats flying from the house. There is no association to witchery, death or any other controversial subject. Although mostly black in color, the page is a fun, kid-friendly illustration.

Do snack suggestions include nut related snacks?
Due to the high incidence of nut related allergies, there are no nut related snacks suggested in the Kiddikins day plans.

How long is a Kiddikins program?
Kiddikins is made up of three (3) sets. Each set is made up of twenty (20) classes.

• Kiddikins I is generally offered mid September to the end of November.
• Kiddikins II is offered mid January to the end of March.
• Kiddikins III is offered the beginning of April to mid June.

Can kids register mid-way through a set?
Although it is most beneficial for kids to attend from September to June, kids can register mid-way through a set. The Kiddikins games and activities are age appropriate for children one year before kindergarten. As long as the child is age appropriate for kindergarten the following September and space is available, kids are able to register and start a Kiddikins based program mid-way through a set. Note: Quest Leisure Ltd. does not recommend kids start a Kiddikins based program after Class 15/20 is offered. In this case, it is best for the child to wait until the start of the next set.

Many Kiddikins based centers have an 'interest list' for upcoming years. Some centers have names on an interest list years in advance!

Do the kids exercise in every class?
Each class is made up of five to seven exercise games. Games are included in the warm-up and some are reviewed. At least one new game is learned each class.

Are the kids expected to know how to play the games?
Kids are not expected to know how to play the Educational Movement Games before coming to class. Instructors will teach children to play each game using a 'step-by-step' process. Kids are only expected to have fun!

Will the kids play games over and over?
Games are reviewed and played over two to three classes. As the kids understand each game, the game takes less and less time to play and is more and more fun!

Can the kids bring a drink?
Kids are encouraged to bring a water bottle to each class. Games include running, jumping, and other movements. Kids are encouraged to drink water during the water breaks.

Why should the kids bring water to drink?
It is important to replenish the water used by our bodies during exercise. When we exercise and play games our bodies become thirsty!

What kind of shoes should the kids wear?
Kids are encouraged to wear supportive running shoes while playing the exercise games. It is not necessary to wear expensive running shoes, but kids are discouraged from wearing light, canvas, slip-on shoes.

What kind of clothes should the kids wear?
Kids are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes while playing the exercise games. Suggestions include sweat pants, tights, shorts, sweatshirts or t-shirts.

Can parents stay to view the program?
The answer to this question depends on each individual centre, however, most centres encourage parents to stay until the child is comfortable.

Do the kids do arts, crafts or science projects?
The answer to this question depends on each individual centre, however, most centres offer a variety of activities including arts, crafts and science projects.