Active movement in the early years classroom is vital for early years development. First Steps teacher training encourages teachers to get their class up and active. It’s fun and really important.
5 reasons why movement is important for young children:
1) Builds muscles and strength
Kids need lots of opportunities to run, jump and climb to build healthy, strong bodies. These big movements also prepare children for the more detailed movements they will use in the classroom. Children must be competent with big movements like hopping before they can master smaller movements like writing.
2) Increases confidence
It can be frustrating being a small child. Many things in daily life are just too complicated or large for a young child to master. Appropriate physical challenges are a great way for a child test their boundaries, practice and feel success.
3) Connects child's ideas to actions in the real world
Active play let’s children test out their ideas and get immediate, clear feedback from the world around them.
4) Vital for brain development
Physical movement builds up the neural networks in the brain. Children’s brains develop rapidly when they are young. It is vital that young kids are active participants in their world to help their brain develop to it’s full potential.
5) Encourages exploration and curiosity
Active movement often happens outdoors - a wonderful place to make discoveries and go on adventures. Learning new things and having new experiences improves intellectual development.
To support our work or to find out more about how First Steps Himalaya trains teachers in rural villages in Nepal, visit www.firststepshimalaya.org