Movement kindergarten

The concept of the movement kindergarten focuses on the holistic promotion of children through movement. It is based on the idea of giving children plenty of space and time for free movement and thus supporting their motor, cognitive and social development.

More than just romping and playing

A movement kindergarten is a facility that specialises in promoting the motor development and well-being of children. The focus is on targeted movement activities that are tailored to the needs and abilities of the children. Attention is paid to a child-friendly design of the environment and the play materials. In this article you will learn how a movement kindergarten is structured and what advantages it offers for child development.

Basics of the movement kindergarten

A movement kindergarten is characterised by a child-friendly design that is specifically adapted to the needs and abilities of the children. The environment and the play materials are designed in such a way that they support and encourage the children's natural urge to move. Care is taken to ensure that the activities are varied and diverse in order to train and improve the children's motor skills.

An important aspect of the movement kindergarten is the teaching of joy and competence in movement. The children should learn to consciously perceive their bodies and to move in a targeted way. They should develop a sense for their own abilities and limits and learn to accept and respect them. The promotion of social skills also plays an important role. Through joint movement experiences, the children learn to show consideration for each other and to work together.

Origin

The concept of the movement kindergarten emerged at the end of the 1960s within the framework of reform pedagogy. The idea behind it was to give children more space and time for movement and to promote it as a central component of child development. The movement kindergarten sees itself as a kind of "movement space" in which children can move freely and without constraint. This is not only about physical movement, but also about emotional, social and cognitive movement.

The emergence of the movement kindergarten is closely linked to the person of the Swiss doctor and educator Emmi Pikler. Pikler dealt intensively with the development of movement in children and developed a concept based on the freedom and self-determination of the child. Movement development should not be disturbed by external influences such as coercion or excessive demands.

In the 1970s, the first movement kindergartens were established in Germany, based on the ideas of Emmi Pikler. Since then, the concept of the movement kindergarten has evolved and is now used in many day care centres. The aim is to provide children with a positive movement experience that promotes their motor, cognitive and social development. The focus is on the needs and interests of the children.

Movement kindergarten in practice

In a movement kindergarten, there are different movement offers that are specifically adapted to the children's motor skills. These include, for example:

• Climbing facilities such as ladders, ropes and nets

• Exercise course and obstacle courses

• Slides, swings and seesaws

• Balls, hoops and other play materials

• The children have the opportunity to move freely and discover their surroundings. The teachers make sure that all children are supported appropriately and that no one is overtaxed. The alternation between movement and rest phases is also important to promote balanced development.

Results and advantages of the movement kindergarten

The positive effects of physical activity kindergartens on child development have been proven in numerous studies. For example, a study by the University of Wuppertal from 2016 shows that children in physical activity kindergartens have better motor skills and are less likely to be overweight compared to children in conventional kindergartens.

Another advantage of the movement kindergarten is that the children can also strengthen their self-confidence and social skills by promoting movement. This is because when playing movement games together, the children learn to work together, show consideration and solve conflicts.

The movement kindergarten is an educational concept that focuses on the motor development and well-being of children. The children are supported in their development through targeted movement offers and a child-friendly design of the environment and the play materials. Numerous studies prove the positive effects of the movement kindergarten on child development. Parents who are looking for a facility that promotes movement and physical activity should therefore consider whether a movement kindergarten is an option for their child.