ABSTRACT
All human beings communicate through the universal language of move-ment. The premise that body movement plays an important role in the development of the child is one that is certainly not new. “As parents, as educators or as therapists we have observed new infants and have mar-veled at their continual challenges as they move from one developmen-tal stage to another” (Tropea, 1990, p. 15). At birth movement is, in fact, the primary form of expression infants have at their disposal. The wonder of newborns most often brings forth in us spontaneity as we relate with them predominantly through nonverbal interactions. We may delight in observing and responding to the baby naturally, encouraging connec-tion through touch, cuddling, and rocking, and through imitation of their sounds and movement. “We are creative in devising ways to reach infants; in fact, in countless ways each of us has successfully encouraged, humored, cheered, soothed, reassured, coached and taught the children in our world” (Tropea, 1990, p. 15).
