Supporting Fundamental Movement Skills: The Movement Intervention Program (MIP)

In an era where screen time often overshadows playtime, children face unique hurdles in developing essential movement skills. To address these challenges, the Movement Intervention Program (MIP) from Play Move Improve provides targeted support for children struggling with fundamental movement skills, helping them build a strong foundation for physical and cognitive growth.

What Are Fundamental Movement Skills?

Fundamental movement skills are the basic building blocks of physical activity, forming the foundation for more complex movements used in sports, play, and daily life. These skills fall into three main categories:

• Locomotor Skills: Movements like running, jumping, and hopping.
• Object Control Skills: Handling objects through throwing, catching, and kicking.
• Stability Skills: Maintaining balance and control through activities like balancing, twisting, and turning.

Mastery of these skills is crucial for children's confidence and ability to engage in a variety of physical activities.

Why Movement Intervention Matters

Today's children face numerous obstacles that can impede their development of these crucial skills:

• High Screen Time: With so much time spent on screens, opportunities for physical play are limited.
• Reduced Outdoor Play: Urban living and busy schedules often mean less time spent in active outdoor play.
• Structured Routines: Highly structured environments can limit the free play that naturally fosters skill development.

These factors can lead to reduced physical confidence, lower participation in physical activities, and an increased risk of developing sedentary habits.

The Movement Intervention Program (MIP)

Play Move Improve's Movement Intervention Program (MIP) is crafted to tackle these issues head-on. MIP offers an engaging, play-based approach to help children develop the fundamental movement skills they need to thrive.

Highlights of the MIP Program

1. Research-Based Methods: Our program is built on proven research and best practices in child development and exercise physiology.
2. Engaging Activities: Through fun and playful activities, children are encouraged to explore and enhance their movement skills.
3. Personalised Interventions: Each child's unique needs are addressed with tailored support.
4. Family Involvement: Parents are given tools and guidance to support their child's progress at home.
5. Expert Guidance: Our team includes experienced developmental educators and exercise physiologists dedicated to each child's success.

The Impact of MIP

• Boosted Physical Literacy: Children gain confidence and competence in their physical abilities.
• Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Physical activity is closely linked to improved cognitive functions, including better academic performance.
• Social and Emotional Benefits: Group activities promote social skills, teamwork, and emotional resilience.
• Healthy Lifestyle Foundations: Early intervention sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy physical activity habits.

Strategy for Educators: Hula Hoop Bean Bag Toss

Here's a simple, effective activity that educators can implement immediately using just a hula hoop, a roll of masking tape, and four bean bags. This activity helps children develop object control, coordination, and balance.

Setup:

1. Hula Hoop Target: Place the hula hoop flat on the ground to create a target area.
2. Mark Throwing Line: Use masking tape to create a throwing line on the ground, about 1.5 to 2 metres away from the hula hoop (adjust distance based on the children's age and skill level).

Activity:

1. Bean Bag Toss: Have the children stand behind the throwing line and take turns tossing the bean bags into the hula hoop. Encourage them to use both overhand and underhand throws to work on different throwing techniques.
2. Progressive Challenges: Make the activity progressively more challenging by increasing the distance from the hoop or by introducing specific targets within the hoop, marked with masking tape.
3. Team Play: Split the children into small teams. Each child gets a turn to toss the bean bags, and points are scored for each successful toss into the hoop. This adds a fun, competitive element that also fosters teamwork and social interaction.

Skills Developed:

• Hand-Eye Coordination: By aiming and tossing the bean bags, children improve their hand-eye coordination.
• Balance and Stability: Standing and tossing helps with overall balance and stability.
• Object Control: Varying the type of throw (overhand, underhand) enhances object control skills.

Real-Life Transformations

The MIP program has transformed the lives of many children, as shared by parents and educators. Improved coordination, increased physical confidence, and better social skills are just a few of the positive changes reported by our community.

Join the Movement Intervention Program

If your child is struggling with fundamental movement skills, the Movement Intervention Program (MIP) by Play Move Improve can make a significant difference. Visit our MIP product page to learn more and enrol your child today. Together, we can help your child build a solid foundation for a lifetime of movement and play.