This course unpacks the earliest foundations of motor development and explains how they support both emerging physical skill and other kinds of learning.
It enables you to:
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understand how physical development unfolds and the importance of the floor
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recognise the early patterns at work in children’s movement
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use a five part framework to underpin planning and observation
The floor is a workplace for babies and children
The floor is where children’s bodies start the process of developing motor skill.
Reflexes in the body interact with the firm surface of the floor prompting a child to move in particular ways. This movement starts to shape the body, build connection and strength, and develop awareness of the sensations associated with movement. This isn’t an exercise programme, but an invitation to explore, experiment, repeat and repeat - led by the body.
This course explores several of these reflexes - early movement patterns - and the different ways each prepares the body for more complex movement. How they unfold affects a child’s developing relationship with their body. The way we support them, therefore, can make a big difference.
Take this course to:
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learn about the early reflexes, sensory processes and movement patterns that create the foundations for future physical confidence and skill
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understand how the floor provides a vital stimulus for these
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learn why back and side play are as developmentally significant as tummy play
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think again about how your indoor learning environment supports floor play
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re-examine and refresh your pedagogy
Outcomes for children
Stronger foundations
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children do more experimentation and repetition in the early patterns when adults value floor play
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they are less likely to skimp on foundation building
Grounding
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children develop first foundations for grounding - both physical and emotional
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they build firm foundations for a great posture
Self regulation
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children develop effective strategies to regulate themselves using Floor Play
Course content
An online course exploring motor development
Developmental movement
Introduction to developmental movement approach. 12 early movement patterns that build foundations
Five part framework
To support observation and planning
This course is for:
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all early years practitioners working with children from 0 - 7
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teachers and learning support staff in primary schools who want to understand physical development better
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special school staff who want to develop a Movement Play approach and/or support early physical development
What's included:
Online course
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2 hours 50 minutes of course material
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25 video lessons with tutor Penny Greenland
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Back to the Body, extra videos to support you to try each pattern in your own body
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practical downloads to support implementation
Next Steps:
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follow the link below to create your account
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gain access to the course materials for 3 months to complete at your own pace
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refresh your practice - observe the early movement foundations in your children’s movement
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combine with other Jabadao courses to build the full approach
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be part of a community dedicated to ensuring children have opportunities to build a deep connection with their body
"I find it amazing how the floor is so important to child development …. the impact lack of floor play can have on children … and how to recognise the signs."
Two Year Old Flying Start Assistant
Charleen Flipping
Ser Bach Y Cwm @ Ysgol Golwg Y Cwm
"The training opens everybody's eyes, it certainly inspired practitioners to see things differently; and to see children's learning and behaviour differently. We're able to look at what they're doing and interpret it in a new way now."
Nursery Manager
Liz Nunn
Dizzy's Day Nursery
"Everything all completely new to me despite having worked in childcare for the last 12 years, thoroughly enjoyed it and can see me using this approach from now on, simply brilliant!"
Childminder
Sarah Harper
Sarah Harper Childminder
Your pedagogy
Reflect on your aims for your children and update this as you go through the course
Body organisation
How the body organises itself with increasing complexity