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Movement and Learning in the Early Years
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Movement and Learning in the Early Years
Supporting Dyspraxia (DCD) and Other Difficulties

First Edition

June 2004 | 160 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Movement is a key factor in young children's development and it can affect how they learn and how they feel. This book shows you how to observe a child as they move to allow for early identification of any problems and then tells you how to help. Dyspraxia (DCD) is on the increase in young children and easy movement can play a part in identifying other specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. Included is advice on:

  • Observing, analyzing, and assessing movement development
  • Building confidence
  • Helping with handwriting
  • Supporting mathematical development

 
EARLY INTERVENTION IN MOVEMENT AND LEARNING
 
Part One: Making the Case
Development of the Brain

 
Self-Esteem

 
Being Bullied

 
 
Part Two: Movement and Learning
The ABC of Learning - Attention. Balance and Control

 
Differences in Movement Ability

 
The Importance of Movement Ability

 
The Size of the Problem

 
Ways to Help

 
 
ANALYSING, OBSERVING AND ASSESSING MOVEMENT
 
Part One: Analysing Movement
Factors for Analysis

 
Movement Abilities

 
Open and Closed Skills

 
 
Part Two: Observing and Assessing Movement
Assessment

 
Observation

 
Examples of the Process of Assessments

 
Other Factors in Assessment

 
 
LEARNING AND PERCEPTION
 
Part One: Learning and Movement
Constructivism

 
The Pace of New Learning

 
Matching Teaching and Learning Styles

 
Critical Learning Periods

 
 
Part Two: Perception
The Vestibular Sense

 
The Auditory Sense

 
The Tactile Sense

 
The Visual Sense

 
The Senses of Taste and Smell

 
The Proprioceptive Sense

 
The Kinaesthetic Sense

 
Some Questions for Parents to Consider

 
 
HANDWRITING AND MATHEMATICS - A MOVEMENT PERSPECTIVE
 
Part One: Handwriting
A Sense of Hand Preference/Dominance

 
Ability to Recognise/Visualise/Remember the Pattern of the Letter or Word

 
The Strength and Control in Their Shoulder, Arm and Hand

 
The Necessary Movement Abilities

 
Enough Spatial/Kinaesthetic Competence

 
The Correct Resources

 
Enough Space on the Desktop

 
Left-Handed Writers

 
 
Part Two: Mathematics
Conservation

 
Visual Perception

 
Sequencing Difficulties

 
Counting on the Number Rack

 
Spatial Understanding in Different Algorithms

 
Mental Maths

 
The Confusing Language of Mathematics

 
 
PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES FOR PERCEPTUAL-MOVEMENT PROGRAMMES
Introduction

 
Six Golden Rules

 
Fun Ways of Teaching

 
Planning and Organising Movement

 
The Importance of Practice

 
 
APPENDICES
Norms of Development

 
Competences from the Curriculum Guidance Documents

 
The Underlying Factors Influencing Movement

 
A Brief Outline of Specific Learning Difficulties

 

`It is always good to be able to welcome a book on such a key factor as movement in early childhood development, and this text has been written to support parents and practitioners who wish to understand how movement contributes to all aspects of learning -intellectual, social and emotional, as well as physical' - Marian Whitehead, Nursery World


This book is particularly beneficial for Practitioners in early education, providing clear guidance on the benefits of movement in Early education for children with dyspraxia. The book would make a useful resource for Parents, Practitioners and students studying Undergrad and Postgrad SEN programmes, and will provide support for non specialist teachers working to support children in their classrooms in a positive way.

Dr Marguerita Magennis
Early Years, Portobello College
January 18, 2023

A strong text which provides support for parents and practitioners who wish to understand how movement contributes to all aspects of learning -intellectual, social and emotional, as well as physical.

Mrs Sharon Colilles
Carnegie Faculty of Sports & Education, Leeds Beckett University
February 4, 2015

Sample Materials & Chapters

PDF file of introduction


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ISBN: 9781446233108

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This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.