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From the time of our birth, we are discovering how to move about in the world. An infant learns to pick up Cheerios with an index finger and thumb, a toddler masters using a spoon to eat cereal, and a child works on the complex coordination required to use chopsticks. Now, these eating activities may seem trivial, but this evolution of motion is essential to our success as an individual.
The core of human activity can be reduced to several fundamental movements, known as locomotor and non-locomotor skills. These skills are often taught either through play or formal physical education classes. It may seem silly to instruct a child in these basic skills, but they represent the building blocks upon which more complex movements are based. So it's time to examine each of these important skill sets more closely!
A locomotor skill is a physical action that propels an individual from one place to another. This may mean moving forward, backward, or even upwards using certain skills. Examples of locomotor skills include:
The list starts with skills that are easier to master, and then progresses to the more difficult movements, like skipping.
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And by no means is this list exhaustive. In fact, take a moment to see if you can think of one not included in the above list. If you thought of side-sliding, rolling, or leaping, then you are right!
These skills help to refine a child's gross motor abilities. The more often locomotor skills are practiced, the greater the child's ability to fine tune the movement of each skill. For example, with sufficient practice a child who is able to hop in place becomes able to play hopscotch. Likewise, after simply running, a teenager is later able to compete in a relay race. Now, let's explore a different type of movement equally important to a child's physical development.
A non-locomotor skill is a physical action an individual may perform while remaining stationary. At first, it may seem impossible to be moving while standing still, but it is possible! For example, here are all non-locomotor skills that require movement while your feet remain in the same place:
Again, challenge yourself to come up with other examples. If you thought of stretching, twisting, punching, melting or wiggling, then well done!
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These non-locomotor skills are especially helpful in cultivating balance. Don't we all know how to balance innately? Well, no. We actually train ourselves. You've seen the toddler fall over as he tries to walk for the first time. Likewise, think of a gymnast on a balance beam, and you'll realize that balance is a practiced skill. By practicing these non-locomotor skills, children learn how to remain steady on two feet while moving another part of their body.
Movement is important! For children, practicing specific skills helps to build coordination and balance. Remember, there are different types of fundamental movement. The first involves locomotor skills , which are movements that guide a person from one place to another, whether it is up, down, forwards or backwards. Secondly, non-locomotor skills are movements performed while remaining stationary. Both are essential for hitting developmental milestones in childhood. But you're never too old to practice these skills. So stop reading, stand up, and do the movement of your choice!
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GACE Early Childhood Education (501): Practice & Study Guide32 chapters | 305 lessons | 30 flashcard sets
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