Sport Skills for Babies and Toddlers – Expert Advice

Recently I’ve enjoyed appearances in a New York Times story, on CNN, The Today Show, and numerous radio and printed media stories.  The subject is Physical Literacy training starting in infancy.   Sadly, some “experts” have made statements that no research exists to prove the importance of early sport training.  Remarkable!   This makes me both angry and sad and here’s why; making people fearful and worried immobilizes them and interrupts the very important work of teaching children how to become active.  But, dear reader, I hope that you are a person who does your homework – reading research and facts – and who forms their own opinion.  So, I have gathered some information and resources for people who want to know.  Studies proving the importance of early physical training are not new, and are both conclusive and compelling.  There is endless research and information available, but here are a few links to help parents, educators, and care-givers understand the critical need to teach Physical Literacy early in life:

The importance of physical learning from birth to 5 years as the critical window of time to optimize brain development.

Because the body and brain work together, a child who participates in a physical development program will have greater brain capacity than a child who is not.  Physical activity activates nerve cells in the brain and stimulates them to create neurological pathways.

Early movement provides a hedge against obesity, and also provides the habits to keep moving throughout life.  The book “Spark” by neuroscientist John Ratey, MD reveals the amazing and powerful brain benefits of physical movement.

In his book, “Teaching With the Brain in Mind”, Eric Jensen says that motor skill development has specific value for reading, stress response, writing, attention, memory, and sensory development.  Studies show that physical movement helps memory, spatial perception, language, attention, emotion and decision making.The inner ear’s vestibular area plays a key role in school readiness and this is developed by moving upside down, rocking, and swinging.  Enrichment for the brain is provided by learning something new such as eye-hand coordination tasks, spinning, tumbling, rocking, pointing, counting, jumping, and ball toss activities to stimulate the early neural growth patterning.  Physical movement is one of the best ways to stimulate the brain and learning.

Experts recommend daily physical activity and Physical Literacy learning starting in infancy and continuing throughout toddler, preschool, and elementary years.

Some people fear that teaching babies and toddlers Physical Literacy skills will lead to sport abuse by adults.  Tom Farrey sets the record straight in his book, “Game On” which exposes the huge money-making industry of child sport competitions and it’s harm to kids.  It is important to distinguish Physical Literacy education from training for competitions.  Physical Literacy teaches a broad range of skills so children have the tools to participate in any physical activity and is presented in a fun way without pressure.  Early sport specialization and competitions teach the skills for only one sport with the goal of developing high level athletes.

Babies today are in danger of delayed development and obesity due to inactivity.  This concern has led to new activity guidelines for babies and toddlers.

Getting kids active for life requires a combination of both structured and free play.  It is important to start with babies and continue through the formative years of early childhood.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines on physical activity  for children in day care.  Just like bigger kids, preschoolers need at least an hour a day of unstructured physical activity, and another hour of structured (adult-led) physical activities.

Dr. Mary McCabe, a health researcher, says, “Research suggests children can raise their achievement level, increase their motivation, heighten their understanding, accelerate their learning timeline, and expand their creativity through motor skills.”  A review of more than 80 brain studies found that physical activity is critical to healthy brain development and cognitive functioning in children.  Physical movement stimulates not only muscle and brain development, but also brain growth and development.

Research proves that movement is critical to brain and body development for babies and toddlers.  Not long ago, neuroscientists believed that the structure of a human brain was genetically determined at birth. They now realize that although the main “circuits” are “prewired” (for such functions as breathing and the heartbeat), the experiences that fill each child’s days are what actually determine the brain’s ultimate design and the nature and extent of their adult capabilities.

Children gain strength, coordination and dexterity by using their muscles during play and other physical activities.  A child’s healthy physical development depends on freedom of movement, opportunities for indoor and outdoor play and access to a variety of activities.  Encouraging babies, toddlers and children to move and to try new activities helps them develop at a timely and healthy rate.

For adults who doubt the importance of Physical Literacy training for babies and toddlers, the REAL EXPERTS have made the answer clear.  It changes the future of children in a very positive way!  The experts have told us what needs to be done, and Gymtrix provides the how to do it for parents and caregivers.  So, don’t be afraid; keep moving, and have fun!

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