Moving Bodies, Thinking Brains

Children learn language mainly through personal, human interaction.Read early and often with your children!

Automaticity: creates efficiencies and frees brain for more complex thinking

Resourceswww.freespirit.com/moving-formsConnell, G. and McCarth, C. (2014). A moving child is a learning child. Minn., MN: Free Spirit Publishing

One-Size-Fits-All Fits NO Child at All***Given all the "moving parts" in early years, age is perhaps the most misleading variable to consider in assessing a child's movement needs.***6 physicalities: senses, balance, proprioception, power, coordination, and controlReflexes: underpin & enable all early movementLanguage: transforms experience into understanding by translating concrete into conceptual

The Kinetic Scale

Moving Bodies Thinking Brains

Young children are on the move! And it’s a good thing,Movement is not just important for helpingchildren grow physically strong and healthy. It is alsoa key factor in their overall development. Throughmovement, children develop good thinking andcommunication skills as they explore and interact with their world.Movement also builds self-confidence. Children feel competent,physically and emotionally, when they use their bodies to communicate and solve problems.Most importantly, children develop a close bond with you through movement. In fact, your child’s desire to be close to and connect with you is what motivates her to move.

Overall Development

Montessori Movement

The more a child moves, the more a child knows.The more a child knows, the more a child wants to know.The more a child wants to know, the more a child needs to move.

The Body is the Brain's first teacher!

You've Got to Move to Sit Still

Walking Wonders