Movement is essential to the development
of young children. They know this instinctively, as you have probably guessed
as you watch your preschooler zoom across the room for the eighth time in two
minutes. What you may not know is just how movement aids in a child’s
development and that those benefits go beyond physical growth.
Types
of Movement
While unrestrained running across a
backyard is undeniably good for children, at Tumblebees Learning Center we go beyond that joyous expression of
freedom. Our preschool teachers integrate movement into the overall learning
experience so that the children learn to move with more control. Basic tumbling
and sports skills are two of the ways we teach children to use their bodies,
along with moving to the rhythms of a variety of music.
Social
and Cognitive Benefits
Studies have shown that regular physical
activity for preschoolers aids in social and cognitive development. We see
these results every day in our Tumblebees Learning Center classes. Movement
helps young children to control and express emotions. Responding to the rhythms
of music offers opportunities for children to count and describe the patterns
that appear in the song. All of this promotes the growth of school readiness
for all preschool ages by increasing learning capacity and the ability to
concentrate.
Physical
Benefits
All types of movement help preschool
bodies build strength and develop healthy muscles, bones and joints. In turn,
coordination improves so that children can participate successfully in games
and sports as they move through elementary school and on into higher levels of
education. These benefits are built into our curriculum that includes plenty of
gymnastics and other sports skills. An extra bonus is that strength and
coordination boost a child’s self-confidence as he finds he can keep up with
his friends.
Overall, children who are physically
active on a regular basis experience better health and miss less school than
their more sedentary peers. In addition, an early foundation in the pleasure of
movement and exercise will continue to keep them healthier throughout their
adult lives. Too many children, even the very young, spend too much time
focused on electronic devices. At Tumblebees Learning Center we give them the
chance to experience life in the active lane.
