When motor skills and simplicity go hand in hand

October 22, 2013 | Isabelle Patenaude

Everyone agrees on the importance of psychomotor education in children. This is a broad area that includes fine motor skills, gross motor skills, as well as sensory and perceptual activities. It can get quite confusing and we often prefer to leave this responsibility to the physical education teachers. Working in cramped spaces with children of different age groups and at different levels of development is one of the factors that often leads to a lack of attention to psychomotor education. This risks insufficient engagement in simple activities (Eggs ‘N’ Chopsticks) that only take a few minutes and offer all kinds of benefits to children young and old!

Let’s get moving!

In an educational setting, the idea of alternating between different types of activities is important. It is crucial to strike a balance between free-time activities (Hopscotch to heaven mat), and movement and concentration activities (Maze balancing board). In one day, children experience many things in a short period of time: arrival in the morning, snack time, homework help, activity period, outdoor play, etc. During the school day, they are also required to concentrate for long periods of time without moving. Taking a moment to have them move about in the morning is often beneficial and can be the difference between a day that starts in a cheerful way or one that will involve disciplinary measures.

Motor skill activities can easily be adapted to the children’s age group and level of development. Whether the activities involve balance, speed or dexterity, everybody takes part according to his or her abilities. It is also possible to group children from different age groups together in teams of two or three, or larger groups. During these activities, it is not uncommon for educators to get caught up in the fun!

Balance, flexibility and simplicity every day

Balance and boosting a child’s energy level are two other important parts of life in an educational setting. There are many motor skill activities that require little time and material. When the children get over-excited, a set of cards (Yoga cards) or a book (Yoganimo – Yoga for kids) are great tools for organizing a group yoga activity that takes only 5 to 10 minutes. Everybody knows “Simon says” and the statue game; they require no material and are quite effective! We often forget that these are in fact motor skill games!

Because they are simple, flexible and relevant at all times and for all children, motor skill activities must be a part of the daily routine of every school-based child-care centre. So… 1, 2, 3, go!

How about you? What gets your kids, young and old, up and around?