Less screens and more games: See how to make the most of children's holidays in Acre School holidays usually mean more free time for children. However, instead of running, jumping and inventing games, many end up spending hours in front of their cell phones, tablets or video games. Therefore, balancing screen time with outdoor activities can make a difference in child development. To g1, physical education professional Ramon Oliveira, 29 years old, who has worked in the area since 2018 and works with children's recreation in Rio Branco, stated that playing goes far beyond entertainment. (Watch the video above) ? Join the g1 AC channel on WhatsApp According to him, planned activities help with the physical, cognitive and social development of children and can be incorporated into the routine even without large expenses. "Children have been spending more and more time in front of screens. Furthermore, family routines have become busier, many spaces for playing have become smaller and, in some places, there is also a greater concern about safety. All of this means that they have fewer opportunities to run, explore, interact with other children and develop important skills through play", he explained. In the teacher's assessment, well-planned play stimulates different areas of development at the same time. While the child has fun, they work on skills that will be important throughout their lives. For Ramon, there is no shortage of play options that combine movement and fun. Circuits with obstacles, treasure hunts, tag, scavenger hunts, team challenges and ball games are among the activities that he considers most complete, as long as they are adapted to the age and development of each child. "It develops motor coordination, balance, agility, strength, speed and spatial perception. It also works on creativity, reasoning, attention, problem solving, communication, cooperation, autonomy, respect for rules and coexistence in groups. Children learn by playing, often without realizing that they are developing all these skills", he said. READ MORE: Rio Branco is the second capital of the country with the most sedentary residents, according to research Professor creates project to encourage women to exercise in Rio Branco: 'Aging healthily' Accessible tour takes people with physical disabilities to visit tourist attractions in Rio Branco: 'Inclusive look' According to physical educator Ramon Oliveira, running, jumping and playing outdoors stimulate motor coordination, creativity and coexistence among children Personal archive The professional emphasizes that it is not necessary to invest money to take children out from screens during the holidays. With creativity, simple materials found at home are enough to create moments of leisure. "You can organize a treasure hunt indoors or in the backyard, make a circuit with chairs, cushions and bottles, play hopscotch, hide and seek, tag, musical chairs or an obstacle course. Balloons, ropes, cardboard boxes and recyclable objects can also be used. More important than the material is the participation of the parents, because the child really values it when the family joins in the game", he highlights. How long should the child move? The recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years old practice, on average, at least 60 minutes a day of physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity. This time can be achieved through sports, walking, cycling and, above all, active play. "The important thing is that the child has opportunities daily to move, play and reduce excessive time in sedentary behavior", reinforced Ramon. In addition to fun, games stimulate motor coordination, creativity and cooperation among children Personal file Balance In the physical educator's opinion, one of the most common mistakes during vacations is allowing children to spend practically the entire day connected to screens. On the other hand, he states that it is also not necessary to fill the entire routine with activities. In addition to fun, Ramon remembers that all recreational activities must respect the age and limits of children. Safe spaces, constant supervision, hydration and protection from the sun are also essential precautions to avoid accidents "Often, a simple game with parents can be very meaningful for the child. There is also the other extreme, which is filling every schedule with activities and not allowing her to have free time, rest or use her creativity. The ideal is to seek a balance between play, rest, family life and controlled use of screens", he said. Holiday camp In addition to working as a university teacher and Physical Education professional, Ramon also develops recreational activities during the school recess in Rio Branco. According to him, the initiative arose from the perception that many children have fewer and fewer opportunities to play outdoors and interact with others of the same age, amid the increase in time dedicated to screens. Physical Educator Ramon Oliveira advises that holidays should also be enjoyed. with games that encourage movement and socialization Personal file The proposal, according to the physical educator, is to use games as a development tool, with activities adapted to the age range of the participants and that stimulate movement, creativity, cooperation and coexistence "Seeing a child arrive insecure, with difficulty interacting, and ending the day smiling, making friends and asking to play again is one of the greatest results of our work. Play promotes movement, development, socialization and creates good memories", he added. VIDEOS: g1