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The Importance of Movement on Learning
By Shannon Meyerkort

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Play-based learning isn't just about fun and games; it's a journey of growth and discovery. It's about fostering creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. It's about embracing the magic of childhood and celebrating the boundless potential of every tiny dreamer.

Early Years Key Focuses

    • Enhances phonemic awareness by focusing on rhyming words. 
    • Encourages repetition to reinforce learning and memory of rhyming patterns.
    • Improves number recognition and counting skills with interactive play.
    • Boosts early math skills through dice-based number counting and identification.
    • Stimulates imaginative thinking as children explore various ways to balance their bodies.
    • Fosters creativity by encouraging children to invent new poses and movements to achieve balance.
    • Encourages self-expression as children choose and experiment with different balancing poses based on their preferences.
    • Promotes coordination by challenging children to balance on various body parts. 
    • Enhances body awareness as children explore different ways to balance their bodies
    • Boosts brain development through sensory exploration of metamorphosis stages.
    • Improves cognitive skills through imaginative sensory experiences, aiding memory and flexibility.

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are like the ABCs of physical activity for kids. They are the basic building blocks that children need to develop, like running, jumping, and throwing, setting the stage for a lifetime of active and enjoyable movement.

Fundamental Movement Key Focuses

    • Inspires creativity through open-ended activities that allow children to think outside the box and envision new possibilities.
    • Fosters curiosity by encouraging children to ask questions, seek answers, and consider different viewpoints, expanding their imagination and understanding of the world
    • Incorporates counting into gymnastics routines, such as counting the number of jumps or rolls performed, to develop basic numeracy skills.
    • Introduces sorting activities, such as sorting equipment by size or color, to help children understand basic mathematical concepts like classification and grouping.
    • Enhances hand-eye coordination through activities like catching and throwing balls or balancing on equipment, improving accuracy and control.
    • Develops fine motor skills through tasks like holding onto bars or rings, helping children build strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers.
    • Promotes clear expression and vocabulary growth in children.
    • Improves non-verbal communication via body language and facial expressions.
    • Fosters creative problem-solving in children.
    • Builds resilience by promoting perseverance and a growth mindset.

FAQ

What are Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)?

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are basic physical skills that are essential for a child's overall development and physical literacy.

These skills include running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing. Mastering these fundamental skills lays the foundation for more complex and specialized movements in various sports and physical activities.

In Dr. Graham Dodd's Fundamental Movement Skill series, he tailors FMS using an Educational Gymnastics approach.

Why are Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) important for children?

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are crucial for the holistic development of children for several reasons:

Physical Development: FMS lay the foundation for more complex movements and physical activities. Mastering basic skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching enhances a child's overall physical abilities, including coordination, balance, agility, and strength. In the Fundamental Movement Skills series by Dr. Graham Dodd, we explore all of these movements in an aged based Educational Gymnastics approach.

Social Development: FMS contribute to social development by enabling children to participate in sports and physical play with their peers. This engagement helps build teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills and positive social interactions. Our lesson plans enhance these with lesson 5's focus on partners and teamwork.

Confidence and Self-Esteem: Successfully acquiring fundamental movement skills boosts a child's confidence and self-esteem. As they master these skills, children feel more competent and are more likely to explore new physical challenges and activities.

Cognitive Benefits: Physical activity, including the development of FMS, has been linked to cognitive benefits. It can improve concentration, attention span, and overall cognitive function, positively influencing academic performance. This is further explored in the Brain Science section in Dr. Dodd's Fundamental Movement Skills F-2.

Why is brain science and movement crucial for a child's development?

The integration of brain science and movement in a child's development is crucial for creating a well-rounded and healthy individual. By understanding the interplay between the brain and physical activity, caregivers, educators, and parents can create environments that optimize a child's potential for cognitive, emotional and physical well-being.

Do our lesson plans include brain science and fundamental movement skills?

Dr. Graham Dodd has crafted lessons that align with brain science methods and fundamental movement skills using an Educational Gymnastics Approach.

Author Spotlight

Dr. Graham Dodd

Graham Dodd is passionate about revolutionizing Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. From sparking inspiration at Unley HS to steering ACHPER as National Secretary-Treasurer, Graham's commitment runs deep. He co-founded Kindergym Australia, sparked the Jump Rope for Heart movement, and at UniSA, reshaped PE and Human Movement/Exercise Science degrees. A visionary in curriculum development, he authored the South Australian Curriculum Frameworks for HPE. As an ACHPER Fellow and Life Member, Graham's zeal for human motion radiates in his vibrant presentations at global conferences. In 2006, he proudly clinched the Carrick Award for University Teaching, cementing his legacy as an outstanding educator.

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