To touch, explore, and play are the building blocks of learning for young children. From birth, children begin to gain considerable experiences and increasing understanding of the world around them as he or she “moves” about in the environment. Learning is not only a brain activity, learning is a whole-body task!
Experiences that involve various motor actions play a significant role in strengthening and bonding synapses as the brains continuously grow new neurons or prune away old ones in response to external stimulations. Plasticity is therefore at its most rapid during early childhood years as the brain is at its most sensitive period to environmental experiences.
Through this course, early childhood educators will understand how active and participative engagement is a strong determinant in the early development of the brain, not only in motor control but also in the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and sensory perception. They will also learn about the importance of creating a rich and active environment for young children’s discovery and experimentation. Educators need to view children as active participants rather than passive recipients of care and learning for these young explorers to become self-motivated in their learning and attain new levels of autonomy and confidence.