An Introduction to Active Movement Koringa Hihiko - Sport New ...

16
SECTION B
“The richer our
sensory environment
and the greater our
freedom to explore it,
the more intricate will
be the patterns for
learning, thought
and creativity”.
Carla Hannaford,
Smart Moves
The infant, going from lying to standing in the first part of
its life, experiences incredible strength and coordination
accomplishments. It is at this time that there is a huge
elaboration of nerve networks developed throughout the
body and brain. It is the establishment and strengthening of
these nerve networks that ensures the body and brain are
given every possible opportunity for maximum potential in
all learning.
Moving, being moved, or being in contact with stimuli
that are in motion, activates our senses. We see because
our eyes move, we hear because waves of sound strike the
eardrum, causing it to vibrate. Fluid in our balance systems
(in our inner ears) and mechanisms in our muscles detect
movement and where the body is in space. The brain is
continually receiving sensory information from the body and
surroundings; it then deciphers the messages and organises
purposeful responses.
Daily experiences that develop sensory systems through Active
Movement are crucial to gaining an understanding of the
surrounding world. It is important for the child to progress in
development at their own pace and not be rushed, as neural
pathways take time to develop and strengthen.
The many sensory systems of the body work independently
and as a team to accomplish all tasks. Hearing, smelling,
and tasting combine with the vision, the balance and body
awareness systems to enable the child to survive, to learn,
and to function efficiently.