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School days Moving forward
MARY MOUNTSTEPHEN explains why nursery schools need to provide more opportunities for exploration and physical activity
C
hildren love to move. Wriggling and squirming, they learn to control their bodies and to reach out and explore their environment. Their
movement is a joy to them, but can be exhausting and frustrating for parents and carers who crave some peace and quiet. However, as many experts point out, movement, free play and exploration are key to healthy physical development and also provide the fundamental basis for good all- round development. For example, Jasmine Pasch, director
of the Phew!!! Arts Company, refers to the ‘powerful ways’ in which body movement affects the development of the brain and nervous system, and the long-term impact this can have on creating firm foundations for learning, health and well-being. Jasmine argues that children need varied activities to create developmentally-sound vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems.
The vestibular system
This system in the body is responsible for maintaining balance, posture and the body’s orientation in space. It also regulates locomotion and keeps objects in visual focus as the body moves. A well-balanced vestibular system gives
us good balance and the ability to stand still, which is not as easy as it may seem. To stand still requires the body systems
to co-operate together in a mature fashion, which can only be achieved through enriching physical activities.
The proprioceptive system
The proprioceptive system creates the ability to sense and process information about the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts. Children need a wide range of activities to develop a confident awareness of
where their body is in space. This gives them the ability to move with increasing efficiency and ease, even when surrounded by others.
The tactile system
This refers to the ability to process information effectively about touch and sensations through the entire surface of the body. A well-developed tactile system allows the child to relate to others and to concentrate in class.
Implications for early years settings
Much of a child’s play involves movement of some kind because creative movement helps children to express ideas, feelings and to develop their tactile and emotional senses. It can also be used to improve self-confidence and communication. In one piece of research, it was found
that children who were encouraged to improvise as much as possible in a movement programme showed significant improvement in social skills and a significant decrease in problem behaviour compared to those children who had not had the same experience.
What can you do?
Create safe opportunities to climb and roll, linking movement to the singing of
rhymes and clapping games. Offer toys which encourage children to use their muscles. You can do this by providing building toys, riding toys, balls and beanbags and climbers. Provide plenty of time for active free
play. Experts say that toddlers need more than 60 minutes of unstructured physical play in a safe place every day. Lead them in creative movement. That
way, they can practice their skills and learn new ways to move. Make an obstacle course. Indoors or
out, toddlers can take turns going over, under, around and through furniture, boxes and climbing equipment. Move along to music. Try bouncing,
swaying, clapping, marching, dancing or playing rhythm instruments. Exercise together – make it a part of
your routine, do stretches before lunch. Set a good example. Let toddlers see you walk, run, bike, build and dance, climb or play ball. EL
Read articles like this at
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