Early childhood is a vital window
Movement in early years is what underpins everything about your child’s development.
The connections and abilities they develop in this important window – between learning to walk throughout primary school ages – will influence their health and physical abilities throughout adult life. Children with poor motor skills are more likely to have poor academic and health outcomes.
Mini Movers activities are the ideal way to support children’s confidence, self esteem and physical skills, as well as their abilities in the classroom.
Sensory Play builds the brain
Watch this animation to learn how movement and sensory integration is key to shaping the brain in young children.
Movement connects the body and brain
As they wiggle and explore, little ones weave their minds with threads of nerve cells. This is ‘myelination’, the magic that makes sensory integration possible.
Crawling enhances brain connections
Crawling fires up both sides of the brain and integrates motor and balance systems. It also develops core, back and shoulder strength which helps with handwriting.
Professor Jackie Goodway explains how many of the activities in MiniMovers include crawling and putting weight on hands when moving on all fours which fires up both sides of the brain.
Play together to build vital brain connections
Stability is needed for fine motor skills
Children need a strong stable base before developing fine motor skills, like holding a pencil. Mini Movers games involve whole body movements and work on gross motor actions to develop strength and stability.
“If a child doesn’t have a nice strong base, when they try and control things at their fingers and hand level, they are all wobbly and cannot control it’”
Eye Tracking
Professor Jackie Goodway explains how, the Mini Movers App includes lots of catching activities to develop eye tracking, which is crucial for reading. Activities for children in the Mini Movers worlds will be tailored to their level, using slow moving equipment like scarfs and balloons to make sure they have success and positive experiences.
Children need to develop control
Children tend to do movement skills with lots of force. Professor Jackie explains how children need to learn to control the force of their body.
In Mini Mover,s we encourage children to control their movements through activities like tapping equipment softly.
Help your child get ‘school ready’ with MiniMovers
Fun, engaging activities for parents to play with their children anywhere