Fundamental Movement Skills
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are the building blocks for more specialised and complex motor skills.
Benefits:
- Skills required for most sports are advanced versions of FMS
- Higher physical activity level
- Cardio-respiratory fitness
- Weight management
- Musculo-skeletal strength
- Increased self esteem
- Increased self confidence
- Willingness to take risks
- Athletic competence
- Motivation to participate in games & sports
- Increased social adjustment
- Enjoyment & positive attitude toward physical activity (lifelong)
1. FMS can be broken down into three major categories:
- Body Management – eg stability, balance, climb,
- Locomotion – eg run, skip, jump, hop
- Manipulation/Object Control – eg catch, kick, throw, hit
2. Acquisition of FMS can divided into three stages in a continuum:
- Initial Stage – typically 2-3 years; relatively crude & uncoordinated with first attempts at a task
- Elementary Stage – typically 3-5 years; demonstrates some co-ordination, rhythm and control during tasks
- Mature Stage – typically 5-7 years; movement is integrated into well co-ordinated, mechanically correct & efficient execution of tasks
3. Young children are physically and intellectually capable of learning FMS with closely delivered parent/carer support. Many are highly motivated and enthusiastic about learning and moving.
4. Mature FMS are the basis for all sports skills; failure to acquire these skills can cause frustration for children as they experience failure in recreational and sports activities. Research undertaken on sports for children aged 5-8 years concluded that 50% of children lack minimum skills necessary to play organised sports. FMS underpin participation and success in physical activities and organised sports. Children with a high level of competence in FMS are able to confidently participate in a wide variety of activities.
5. Most FMS are learnt by adopting a specific sequence of instruction for building a skill. As children mature, more nerve cells make more connections (neuro-programming) and the muscles increase in strength. Until the brain is mature enough and the muscles are strong enough for a particular motor skill, the child will not achieve mastery.
6. FSM are not acquired naturally. Children require quality instruction, feedback and lots of opportunities to practice and refine their skills during the fundamental movement phase. Opportunities for instruction, practice and encouragement are crucial, and children should be provided with a range of physical challenges, regardless of their ability, to exercise and extend their skill sets.
7. An early focus on FMS is important because it is much more difficult to unlearn or break down a bad habit, such as poor movement pattern, than it is to learn a proficient pattern in the first instance. FMS have been built into the Physical Education curriculum in all Australian states and territories. Available evidence suggests it takes approx 9-10 hours of tuition and practice. It takes 3 months to correct an established poor movement technique – ie a bad habit.
8. Motor activities and FMS enhance cognitive development as well as language, social development and self confidence.
9. Children who feel confident about their movement skills will seek opportunities to participate. Children who master FMS are more able and willing to persist with the difficult task of learning more complex motor skills. These children are ultimately more likely to participate in physical activity as part of their lifestyle.
Testimonials
What a great session this morning! We all thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact I’ve never seen my son get so involved as he tends to get bored easily. I was particularly impressed firstly with the equipment you chose and secondly with the help, guidance and positive reinforcement from the instructors.
My little girl just loved her first class at Jumping Joeys. She wants to do gymnastics everyday!
Jumping Joeys is ideal for my active toddler. This is great exercise for kids and lots of fun too!
Jumping Joeys gymnastics classes are fun. Kids develop gross motor skills and fitness. These classes really appeal to my very active 3 year old.
I’ve been searching for activities for my 4 year old and came across Jumping Joeys. These gym classes are perfect for young kids. It is also a great way for mums to catch up and make new friends.
The equipment is designed especially for young children. The place is new and the feel is vibrant. The kids have a great time. I can certainly recommend Jumping Joeys as an ideal activity for 2-3 year olds.
My child loves Jumping Joeys. This is an ideal activity for toddlers and young children.