What is free movement?

Movement is a human need. It is through movement that the child explores, discovers and develops his body and mind.
The child has the desire to move. Movement allows the child to experience his environment and his world.
Free movement means allowing children to move naturally, spontaneously, without restrictions, without interrupting or confining them.

"Children who have freedom of movement feel they can pursue their own ideas and interests"

S. Mayclin Stephenson.

"The more we allow our children to move, the more we support optimal development"

S. Mayclin Stephenson.

Why is the free movement of children essential?

1. Builds strength and coordination.
   Through movement, children have the opportunity to strengthen their muscles, develop their motor skills and improve their balance and coordination.
   
   
2. It promotes exploration and curiosity.
   When children are free to move, they can explore and interact with their environment in their own way. They can reach for toys, grasp objects and explore different textures and sensations. This helps feed their curiosity as they learn about the world around them through their senses.
   
   
3. Supports brain development.
   Physical movements are linked to brain development, as connections between neurons are strengthened with each movement. When infants engage in free movement, they are building neural pathways that will support their cognitive and emotional development.
   
   
4. Encourages independence and self-confidence.
   From infancy, children learn to move independently and gain a sense of autonomy and control over their bodies. This can lead to greater self-confidence and a sense of mastery as they discover their abilities and learn to navigate the world around them.
   
   

"Self-confidence is the inner feeling of being able to rely on one's own resources, which comes from the experience of active work done in the environment using free movement."

S. Mayclin Stephenson.

How to promote free movement?

• Provide a prepared environment in which the child can move freely.
• Safe and tidy space.
• Unstructured movement time.
• Free exploration.
• Avoid inventions that hinder the natural development of the child.
• Provide materials or toys that support a wide range of movement for the child.
• Observe the child.
• Follow their orders.
• When the child is at work, respect them by paying attention and do not interrupt them.

take away = take and take away

Definition of work: It is an activity that involves both the mind and body and has a purpose that satisfies the individual.

Freeing movement is key to your child's overall development. Parents and caregivers must always take care and support unrestricted movement.

Supporting the culture of free movement in the family will foster a healthy, independent, confident, curious, powerful and happy child.