Submitted by The Little Gym of London
How motor skill development today can affect kids’ grades tomorrow
All parents want their kids to succeed in the classroom, on the playground, in post-secondary school, and in life. While there is no magic formula that ensures a successful life, there is a proven way to help jump-start their future: by helping your child develop motor skills. And the sooner you start, the better.
Cross-training for the mind
Research has found that the same section of the brain – the cerebellum – is activated when learning motor skills and during thinking tasks.
This means that learning motor skills enhances the complexity of the brain. Repeated experiences that teach new and increasingly challenging skills help strengthen the brain’s neurological pathways.
Helping kids do better in school
Scientists have looked at the physical activity, motor ability and school-readiness of 6-year-olds and found that those with more highly developed motor skills demonstrated a greater level of school-readiness and fared better in kindergarten than those with less developed motor skills. And scientists have found correlations linked to motor skill development through second grade.
What should all parents know?
1) Start young. During the first two years of a child’s life, rapid brain development brings with it windows of opportunity. Once the window closes, kids can still learn the skill, but it will be more difficult and require more work.
2) Repetition is key! Like the alphabet, motor skills are best learned through guided repetition. This gives a child opportunities to experience success, build confidence and develop strength and endurance.
3) Challenge your child. It is healthy to present your child with new challenges and risks, but do so with no expectations. If your child does not want to try something new, accept it, but leave a window open for them to change their mind. Parent participation, excitement and demonstrations are key!
4) Don’t mistake child development with training for the Olympics. Parents like to identify areas where their child excels, and push them toward that activity with the thought of scholarships or the Olympics. Parents who fit this mindset are not thinking about the benefits of activities – just about the awards.
The focus should be on an individual’s abilities. Fun and positive activities foster a joy for physical activity that will last throughout a child’s life.
Want to know more?
A wealth of books on the topic of motor skill development exist; ask your local library for some titles.
Programs such as The Little Gym offer classes especially designed to help kids develop motor skills and cognitive development, starting as young as 4 months!
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