Some facts children and the development of motor skills

Movement is essential to all learning from the womb onward. The tie between movement and learning continues throughout life.  Studies show that movement fires up the brain, strengthening neural linkages for learning.

A Canadian study has shown that children who spent an extra hour a day in gym class had significantly higher test scores than other children.

Children follow much the same sequence of growth and development, but each individual will develop at his or her own rate. As a result of various factors, some children do not follow the typical sequence of development.  Do not be overly concerned as chronological age is not the determinant of readiness.

Children can conceptualize movement and can create their own games and movement patterns. Children learn quicker when the sequence is demonstrated, logical and clear.

Children need time to play with skills, both new and internalized.

Some important factors

Quality of movement is important. Aim for smooth, controlled movements and start off by doing exercises slowly. As control improves, the speed can be increased.

This programme is merely a guideline. Be creative and combine, change and make it as much fun as possible.

Language development can also be encouraged.  Use the concept of left/right, colours, actions e.g. up/ down/forward/back, but remember to keep language and instructions simple.

The teacher should try out all the activities that will be used, so that she can “feel” how it should be done and which muscles and skills are involved.  Demonstrate activities to the children – visual cues make learning easier.

The child’s posture is important. Encourage the correct posture at all times, without breaking their stride. 

Look out for low muscle tone

Muscle tone is the ability of a muscle to resist force. A muscle can either be too relaxed or it can be too tense.  When a muscle is too relaxed, it’s called low muscle tone or low postural tone.  These muscles feel soft on palpation and also heavy.

Low muscle tone is common in children with obvious disabilities that affect the brain such as cerebral palsy.  It is more difficult to recognize in a “normal” child, but is characterized by:

This is only to give you an idea what to look for and expect, but the issues of impaired postural control are much more complex.  Just be aware of the possibility that some children may have difficulty with movement as a result of low postural tone which directly affects postural control and physical endurance.

Excerpt from Intelli-Moves Book by Nika Oberholster.  E-mail us for information on the programme which includes a 6 week movement programme.