Movement!
Movement matters! Movement helps children learn while their bodies and brains develop together at the same time. Below are three ideas to help your child learn and develop with movement.
Containerized Kids
In recent years it has been noticed that infants often spend a large amount of time in various containers each day. Excessive use of containers such as strollers, car seats, slings, baby carriers, portable baby chairs, bouncy seats, baby swings, baby jumpers, and baby walkers can cause developmental problems. All babies need supervised tummy time daily. Tummy time allows infants to move freely, strengthen neck and trunk muscles, promote and maintain a rounded skull, and fosters development and coordination. Extended container use can lead to the following problems:
flat head syndrome
face asymmetry
tight neck muscles which limits head movement from side to side or keep the neck and head straight
decreased body movement, strength, and coordination
vision, hearing, social, communication, and thinking difficulties
increased risk of toe walking or hip dysplasia
poor core strength
There are times that a container is necessary for travel or safety but when it's not a safe floor is best!
The Kinetic Scale
The Kinetic Scale is a tool designed to help adults strive for a balance of movement activities that are appropriate to each individual child. It is not based on ages but what the child can do. Infants start by tipping the scale to the sensory side as they learn about the world around them with their senses and build a sense of balance. Toddlers continue to use their senses but also have power. Students in 4K typically tip the scale to the motor side as they learn to coordinate more complex movements. All of the physicalities on the scale are used during each stage of development but the focus changes as your child develops. And don't forget about language! Language combined with movement creates understanding and helps children move from the concrete to the abstract which creates great thinkers.
The graphic above was taken from the book A Moving Child is a Learning Child, How the Body Teaches the Brain to Think by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy, copyright 2014
Movement is
Play and Play
is Learning!
Kids need to move to learn. One of their favorite ways to learn is to play! Children need play for growth and stimulation with or without supervision depending on the play. See the chart below for a balance of play.
The graphic above was taken from the book A Moving Child is a Learning Child, How the Body Teaches the Brain to Think by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy, copyright 2014
Play is divided into 3 groups: moving and learning, big moves and big ideas, and quiet concentration. Under each group are different types of play each with their own developmental benefits for children. 60% of a child's play should be free play where they play alone or with peers and is seen as the most important type play. Directed play is with gentle guidance from an adult or child who directs the play but not the outcome. And structured play is play that has been predetermined by an adult with a set outcome (think game rules). Be a good playmate for your child by remembering these simple guidelines while always keeping safety in mind:
wait for a play invitation
follow the child's lead
move down to the child's level
keep play open and free with no agenda or rules
Remember, play is fun!