Although it seems quite reasonable that a comprehensive developmentally appropriate movement program would be effective in enhancing early brain and motor skill development, the following recommendations are offered based on the research discussed.
1. Provide children with lots of sensory-motor experiences, especially of the visual-motor variety. This would include activities that integrate visual information with fine- and gross-motor movements. Such activities include striking, kicking, and catching.
2. Include a variety of basic gross-motor activities that involve postural control, coordination of movements, and locomotion – crawling, creeping, body rolling, and jumping. In addition to stimulating the general wiring patterns of these fundamental skills, moderate and vigorous intensity gross-motor activity provide the brain with its chief energy source, glucose. In essence, these activities increase blood flow, which feeds the brain and enhances neuronal connectivity during the critical period.
3. Combine movement activities and music. Although the jury is still out regarding the relationship between musical experience and specific academic achievement, the combination of music with movement presents an excellent learning medium for young children.
4. What follows are the recently released activity guidelines for children birth to five years and a brief description of appropriate movement activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (NASPE, 2002).
Physical Activity Guidelines for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers (NASPE, 2002)
Infants (Birth–12 months)
Guideline 1:
Infants should interact with parents and/or caregivers in daily physical activities that are dedicated to promoting the exploration of their environment.
Guideline 2:
Infants should be placed in safe settings that facilitate physical activity and do not restrict
movement for prolonged periods of time.
Guideline 3:
Infants’ physical activity should promote the development of movement skills.
Guideline 4:
Infants should have an environment that meets or exceeds recommended safety
standards for performing large muscle activities.
Guideline 5:
Individuals responsible for the well being of infants should be aware of the
importance of physical activity and facilitate the child’s movement skills.