Introduce
Core strength plays a significant role in helping children maintain stability while balancing and coordinating their movements. According to the EYFS framework, a strong core is critical not just for physical tasks but also for cognitive development, as it supports essential skills such as communication, language acquisition, and eventually the ability to read and write.
It’s essential to recognise the importance and impact of core strength and co-ordination from the earliest stages of development. If core strength is underdeveloped, children may struggle with both gross and fine motor skills, as well as stability and balance. This lack of core strength can hinder their ability to perform coordinated, refined movements, impacting tasks that require control, such as walking, running, or using their hands for precise actions like writing or drawing.
The NHS recommends tummy time as a way to build muscles and core strength needed for rolling, sitting and crawling. Tummy time allows babies to strengthen their back, neck and shoulder muscles, as well as improving general co-ordination. Tummy time can be started from birth by laying the baby onto the chest of an adult. Then, when baby is ready, it can take place on the floor.
Tummy time can help prevent two conditions: positional plagiocephaly and positional torticollis.
Positional plagiocephaly is the development of flat spots on the back and side of the head, which can lead to asymmetries of the head and face.
Positional torticollis is the stiffening of neck muscles, causing baby’s head to tilt to one side.
You can read more about tummy time and how it helps babies physical development at Tiny Happy People.
Develop
In this video, an early years expert explains the importance of core strength and co-ordination in the early years foundation stage framework. There are also some tips on how to support children in this area.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Use the following questions to consider how you can prioritise core strength and co-ordination in your approach and interactions:
– Are there changes that you could make to your existing provision/practice that would better support children to develop their core strength and co-ordination?
– What opportunities do you provide daily for the children to move their entire bodies? Think about how this differs for the ages and stages of the children you work with.