Family Time: Here, There, & Everywhere Week 6

FOUNDATIONS OF LEARNING
Vestibular Stimulation: Balance is the ability to take up and maintain a body position against the force of gravity. Simple balance develops early, but becomes more complex as the brain improves its ability to integrate messages from the eyes, inner ear, and muscles in the neck. Movement and the attainment of balance depend upon this connection of messages. Moving activities stimulate the inner ear, also known as vestibular stimulation. Fluid in the inner ear passes over nerve endings, sending messages to the brain about the position of the body in space, and helps the young child counter gravity and control eye movements as well as attain balance.

Movement and Learning: Children learn best with their bodies. B providing a venue for movement, children have a chance to “try out” a variety of expressions. Being sensory learners, children should be encouraged to move, use their imaginations and large and small muscles groups, and be engaged mentally and emotionally. Physical, mental, and emotional developmental qualities of young children are so intertwined and interrelated that when one area is affected, the other two areas are equally affected.