This course looks at the movement patterns that are neither down on the floor, nor fully upright - and the ways they build a strong and connected body in preparation for upright movement.
It enables you to:
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understand the nature and importance of Halfway Play
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understand how the early movement patterns combine to create upright movement
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use a developmental framework to identify where children may need extra support
No Rush
As children come away from the floor, it’s exciting to see them move closer to some significant physical skills - sitting, crawling, and most exciting of all, walking. It’s extremely tempting to look for ways to encourage them to get there faster.
But lots of significant movement happens between the floor and upright, priming and preparing the body in particular ways.
A developmental movement approach suggests that there is no longterm benefit in rushing children at this stage. And much value in giving time to the patterns that unfold here.
It’s the gradual process of experimenting and repetition that builds great foundations. When children find their own way to new skills, they develop stronger foundations and a greater sense of agency.
Take this course to:
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learn about 7 kinds of Halfway Play
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see how they draw, and build on, earlier Floor Play patterns
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track how they prepare the body for upright movement
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learn child-led games to focus all 7 of the Halfway Play patterns
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develop your movement observation skills using a child-focused observation structure
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use 8 checklists to support your understanding of how upright movement skills unfold over time
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use them to identify the specific support that individual children need
Outcomes for children
Early patterns start to combine to support new physical skills
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children bring together patterns they developed in Floor Play and practice integrating them with each other
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this integration will be important for well organised movement
The body takes the time needed to lay down foundations for upright movement
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children actively shape their body as they engage in movement away from the floor. This preparation phase is important
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they build the upper and lower body strength they need for upright movement that's full of ease
Bodies build connection and flow
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the work here building connection and integration (as well as strength) supports more than good-enough movement in future
Course content
An online course exploring motor development
Developmental movement
The detail of 7 kinds of Halfway Play
Movement Play Structures
To invite engagement in each kind of Halfway Play
Movement Observation
Two simple techniques to use in your setting
Upright Play
Detailed checklists (for you to download) to help you clarify what you already know - and see more detail in children's upright movement
"The observation sheets will be very useful when assessing. Also the halfway play games will be useful to be included in the children's play."
School Assistant
Meinir Jones
Cylch Meithrin Trawsfynydd
"I've loved it, it has been so informative and taught me so much. I now feel I will able to observe and understand what the children are doing and why."
Baby Room Leader
Vikkie Marsden
Grassroots Day Nursery
"We're really, really passionate about Developmental Movement Play and it's a really big part of our pedagogy."
EY Practioner
Suzzi Flinders
Grace Owen Nursery
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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1 hour 20 minutes of course material
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14 video lessons with tutor Penny Greenland
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game structures
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practical downloads: observation structures and checklists
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 - re-think the role of Halfway Play within your curriculum
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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