ABSTRACT
One of the most important things that parents, professionals and carers can do for babies, toddlers and young children is to observe and encourage the development of their movement patterns. This is because movement, as well as being very important in its own right, helps children to become confident learners in all aspects of their development – social, emotional and intellectual. This is why Goddard (1996: 5) writes:
Movement is an integral part of life from conception until death and a child's experience of movement will play a pivotal role in shaping their personality, their feelings and achievements. Learning is not just about reading, writing and maths. These higher abilities are built on the integrity of the relationship between brain and body.
