In the course of systematic quality assurance, increasingly the question to which extent learning outcomes are achieved by children in sports and physical education arises. The central learning objectives of physical education in kindergarten and primary school are the curriculum-based basic motor competencies that enable children to play an active part in the culture of sports and exercise.

Game 1: Net Fishing

1. Children are fish and the coach or one child is the fisherman who tries to catch the little fishes by throwing the net over them.
2. Limit the playing field or have several fishermen depending on the size of your gym.
3. Use a fishing net about 1,5 by 1,5 meters/yards as a catching device.
4. The larger the net the more difficult it gets to throw it.
5. We use old nets from baseball and tennis courts that are used to limit the fields and cut them into the appropriate size. 

Game 2: Rodeo

1. On a smooth gym floor, flip a soft landing mat upside down to have the slippery side at the bottom.
2. This mat is the wild bull children try to ride for as long as possible without falling.
3. The coach moves the mat back and forth randomly.
4. As soon as a child falls down it’s the next child’s turn.
5. Children need to stand on the mat and are not allowed to run.

Game 3: Four Noodle Tags

Mosquito

1. Put a foam noodle together at one end with strong masking tape that can...

The Motor Skill Learning System for 3-7 year-olds

1. Stages of development
   1.1. Stages of development
   1.2. Importance of early movement experiences
2. Versatility for optimal learning and fun
   2.1. Versatility for optimal learning and fun  
   2.1.1. Advantages of versatility-oriented 
   sports activities
   2.2. Optimal learning & fun 
   2.3. A balance of 7 skills, Motor Skills to coordination to sport-specific skills
3. Game-based approach
   3.1. Games based approach versus drills based approach  
   3.2. Deliberate play
   3.3. The importance of free play
   3.4. Enriched environments & Incidental moments
4. Story
   4.1.Increase participation through stories
5. Bigger and better brains
   5.1.Bigger and better brains
6. Conclusion

1. Preface

Aim

Beliefs and actions in a new approach to children’s skill development

1. To understand children’s physical stages of development to better being able to challenge them.
2. Teach the most versatile movement experiences possible for optimal...

A summary of how children’s skills typically emerge over time and where the development of fundamental motor skills fits in. Why it is a critical building block for children to be able to participate in all sports later on in life.

If children skip one of the stages, in particular the early development stages 2-4, they will greatly limit their potential down the line. Keep in mind that the age ranges (hence the titles) are overlapping which depends greatly on children’s development so far.
Even at a very young age children's speed of development can be up to 18 months apart.

Stage 1: Newborn to 1 year: Birth to Mobility

By about 12 months of age baby’s strength and balance have improved to the point where they are able to walk.

Stage 2: Age 1 to 3 year: Mobility to Basic Motor Skills

From the age of 1 to 3 years children’s increasing mobility skills make way for them to have experiences that develop simple fundamental motor skills (throwing away,...

There is now a vast amount of scientific research that shows that increased stimulation generally results in improved neurological function which controls motor skills. There is equally compelling evidence to show that if a young child is placed in a deprived environment and left there for an extended period of time, it is almost certain that its physical development, growth and brain function will be adversely affected.

Stimulating environments

A young child needs to be placed in an environment where its senses are going to be appropriately stimulated, and where there is space and opportunity to practice and repeat its gradually developing motor skills.
By ensuring that children are exposed to a rich sensory environment, parents and coaches will be directly influencing the motor skill & brain development of their children.
The variety and richness of stimulating environments children are exposed to and genetics determine exactly what level of motor skill development a...