The Motor Skill Learning System for 4-7 year-olds

1. Preface
2. Stages of development
   2.1. Stages of development
   2.2. Importance of early movement experiences
3. Versatility for optimal learning and fun
   3.1. Versatility for optimal learning and fun 
   3.2. Optimal learning & fun
   3.3. Balance of 7 skills, Motor Skills to coordination to sport specific skills
4. Game based approach
   4.1. Games based approach versus drills based approach 
   4.2. Deliberate play
   4.3. The importance of free play
   4.4. Enriched environments & Incidental moments
5. Story
   5.1.Increase participation through stories
6. Bigger and better brains
   6.1.Bigger and better brains
7. 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 development, the prerequisite to learning sport-specific skills well.
3....

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 4 year: Mobility to Basic Motor Skills

From the age of 1 to 4 years children’s increasing mobility skills make way for them to have experiences that develop simple fundamental motor skills (throwing away, tumbling,...

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 child will...