This article has been taken from the book 'Start Big Stay Big' (306969) by Learn Well


Does body awareness really matter?


Let’s talk about body awareness


Why is body awareness so important? It is the foundation of all our motor skills. Effective body awareness helps us to understand where we are in space and where we are in relation to objects around us. It also informs our brain how tightly to grip, how far to step over an object, and how hard to throw a ball. Body awareness continues to develop throughout childhood, right up to the age of about 11. So, this is an important area to work on right through the early years and primary school years.


Body awareness helps us to coordinate our whole body – our eyes with our hands and feet. Our brain works hard to connect body-awareness sensations with other sensory information being sent to it. This can be from the eyes and through the tactile system too. Body awareness is also essential in the development of dominance and an innate understanding of which is our left and right side.


Body awareness comes from our proprioceptive sense. You may have heard of this. Proprioceptors are found in our muscles, joints, and ligaments. They help us know where our body is and where our limbs are. If you close your eyes now, you still know where your left elbow is without


having to look to check (or we hope so!). This is your proprioceptive sense telling your brain, your position. Children can process this sensation much more easily when they are moving – and it is the reason that young children never stop moving and fidgeting. Children in your class will be particularly fidgety when they are letting you know that they still have a massive need to move!


Proprioception also plays a large role in regulation and being calm and ready for learning. Think about when you have been for a good walk or done some exercise: your body then enjoys being still and resting. Children’s bodies and minds are more able to calm and self-regulate when they have had movement breaks


Things to look out for


Your awareness of your own need to move around is important! How hard is it to sit still for long periods? Some find it easier than others. Some children will need more movement than others. Spot the ones who kneel on their chairs, wind their legs around the chair legs, or find constant reasons to get up out of their seat. They need to move! Without movement, brains struggle to focus.


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For more ideas and inspiration visit ypo.co.uk/littlelearners


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