Childhood development is a crucial aspect of growth and learning, and one key focus area is developing fundamental movement skills (FMS). FMS are the basic movement patterns that form the foundation for more complex and specialised movements.
This article will define FMS and discuss their importance in childhood development. We will explore how developing FMS can benefit children’s physical, cognitive, and social development and how parents and caregivers can help their children master these skills.
Table of Contents
What Are Fundamental Movement Skills
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are basic movement patterns that form the foundation for more complex and specialised movements in sports, games, and other physical activities.
Developing FMS is important for children’s physical, cognitive, and social development, as it can improve their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social skills. Parents and caregivers can help set children up for success in all aspects of their lives by providing opportunities to learn and practice these skills.
Image Source: iStock
Why Are Fundamental Movement Skills in Kids Important
Because they help your child develop a lifelong love for exercise.
If your child is naturally athletic, you may think you don’t have to worry about teaching them fundamental movement skills. But even if your child can jump, run, and throw, it’s still important to teach them the basics of how their body works.
When kids learn how their bodies move and get used to being active, they’re more likely to continue being active. That means your kid will avoid putting on weight as they get older—which is good news for both their health and their self-esteem!
Moreover, Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are important in children for a variety of reasons:
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Physical health
Developing FMS can improve a child’s physical health by promoting physical activity, coordination, and balance. These skills can help children participate in various physical activities and reduce their risk of injury.
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Cognitive development
Research has shown a strong link between physical activity and cognitive development. Developing FMS can improve a child’s ability to focus, problem-solve, and retain information, leading to improved academic performance.
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Social skills
Physical activities involving FMS can help children develop social skills such as communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These skills can help children form positive peer relationships and develop strong social skills.
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Lifelong benefits
Developing FMS in childhood can provide lifelong benefits. Children who are physically active and develop strong FMS are likelier to continue being physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.
FMS development is crucial for children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. Parents and caregivers can help set children up for success in all aspects of their lives by providing opportunities to learn and practice these skills.
Types of Fundamental Movement Skills
FMS can be categorized into three types: locomotor skills, non-locomotor skills, and manipulative skills.
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Locomotor Skills
These movements involve travelling from one place to another, such as walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, and galloping. These skills require arms, legs, and core muscle coordination, essential for sports, dancing, and everyday movements.
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Non-locomotor Skills
These movements do not involve travelling from one place to another but involve control of body position, such as balancing, twisting, turning, bending, and stretching. These skills are important for maintaining proper posture, body awareness, and overall physical control.
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Manipulative Skills
These movements involve handling objects, such as throwing, catching, kicking, striking, and dribbling. These skills are essential for sports, games, and other physical activities involving objects.
Mastery of all three types of FMS is important for overall physical competence and the ability to participate in various physical activities.
Factors Affecting FMS Development
While some children may naturally develop FMS more easily than others, several factors can affect the development of these skills.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role in a child’s physical abilities, including their ability to develop FMS. However, it is important to note that genetics is only one factor and that children can still improve their FMS through practice and training.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which a child grows up can also impact their FMS development. Factors such as access to safe play spaces, opportunities for physical activity, and availability of resources and equipment can all impact a child’s ability to develop these skills.
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education programs that focus on physical development and provide opportunities for movement and play can also positively impact a child’s FMS development. Programs that incorporate physical activity into the curriculum can help children develop FMS at an earlier age.
By understanding these factors, parents and caregivers can work to create an environment that promotes FMS development and supports their child’s physical growth and development.
Image Source: iStock
Ways to Develop Fundamental Movement Skills in Children
There are several ways in which parents and caregivers can help children develop FMS.
Age-appropriate activities
Providing children with age-appropriate activities that promote FMS development is important. For younger children, crawling, rolling, and playing with balls can help develop basic movement patterns. As children age, activities such as jumping, skipping, and playing sports can help further develop these skills.
Encouragement and positive reinforcement
Encouraging and praising children for their efforts can help motivate them to continue practising and developing their FMS. This positive reinforcement can help build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can, in turn, lead to improved FMS development.
Physical Education Classes
Enrolling children in physical education classes can allow them to learn and practice FMS in a structured environment. These classes can also give children the guidance and feedback they need to develop their skills effectively.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play allows children to explore their environment and engage in physical activity. Activities such as climbing, running, and playing games can help children develop FMS in a fun and engaging way.
By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, parents and caregivers can help children develop FMS and set them up for success in future physical activities.
Benefits of FMS Development
Developing FMS can have a range of benefits for children, including:
Improved Physical Health
Developing FMS can improve a child’s physical health by promoting physical activity, coordination, and balance. These skills can help children participate in various physical activities and reduce their risk of injury.
Improved Cognitive Development
Research has shown a strong link between physical activity and cognitive development. Developing FMS can improve a child’s ability to focus, problem-solve, and retain information, leading to improved academic performance.
Improved Social Skills
Physical activities involving FMS can help children develop social skills such as communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These skills can help children form positive peer relationships and develop strong social skills.
Developing FMS is crucial for children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. Parents and caregivers can help set children up for success in all aspects of their lives by providing opportunities to learn and practice these skills.
Image source: iStock
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are essential skills that every child should develop as they grow and develop. FMS development can improve a child’s physical, cognitive, and social development, providing lifelong benefits.
Parents and caregivers can play a vital role in promoting FMS development in children by providing age-appropriate activities, positive reinforcement, enrolling them in physical education classes, and encouraging outdoor play.
As a call to action, parents and caregivers should prioritize FMS development in their children by creating a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters physical activity, play, and movement. By doing so, they can help their children develop FMS and set them up for success in all areas of life.
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