Physical activity is an inherent attribute of human life. It results from the innate needs of the body and acquired skills. Properly selected physical activity is conducive to the child’s development and health. Movement develops muscles, affects the proper growth and shape of bones, develops the circulatory and respiratory system, increases physical and intellectual fitness.

ROCKING AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

From birth, or even before, movement becomes an inseparable part of our everyday life. From an infant, a child learns his body and then goes through the process of changing position, which is associated, among other things, with learning to maintain balance. These changes require not only muscle development, but also the maturity of the areas in the cerebral cortex responsible for movement, and the integration of all body parts, senses, and balance-coordinating functions. The GOOD WOOD rocker supports general physical fitness and its ability to perform all activities related to movement. In short, the rocker helps to wisely educate and improve the child’s motor skills, which has a positive effect on the child’s sensory integration.

According to research, by providing a child with independence, free movement and the experience of achieving a goal independently – for example reaching the top of a rocker – builds confidence in the child’s own strength and competences. A child who is allowed to move freely without restriction is more careful and learns how to fall safely. In this way, it gets to know its abilities and learns safe limits for it.

MOTOR SKILLS

Remember that children shape the brain through movement. From the point of view of evolution and nature, motor skills (movement) are obviously more important than all school knowledge. If children are left free to act, they will naturally seek opportunities to move. It is easy to notice that children naturally strive to develop motor skills. Movement games are their favorite activity. We must remember that if we want to raise happy children, we should allow them freedom and not limit their physical activity.

The question is – what happens when a child grows in need of exercise? This means that it is in a MOVEMENT-sensitive period All muscles are working. The child improves gross motor skills, but not only. For example, grasping the rungs of a rocker, the hand works – the child also improves fine motor skills. The development of fine motor skills is preparation for writing.
Satisfying the need for exercise is particularly important for the proper psychomotor development of a child. It is worth knowing that spending time actively contributes to the proper development of bones and joints. As a result, children are less likely to be injured and more agile.

This is not all that keeps children moving. During physical activities, the child develops a vestibular system known as the sense of balance. The rocker is a brilliant support for the development of balance. This is called The “sixth sense” plays an important role in the development of motor, sensory and mental functions. Thanks to the balance, the child distinguishes between the right and left sides, top and bottom, and we receive information about spatial relationships.
Moving and overcoming obstacles, the child is extremely effective in practicing bilateral coordination, i.e. it engages both sides of the body and activates the proprioceptive system. This system informs where our body is located in space and how its parts are arranged in relation to each other, how much and how fast our muscles stretch and with what strength they work. It also affects the proper muscle tone and motor coordination. Underdevelopment of any of the systems – vestibular and proprioceptive, may result in difficulties in learning, concentration, emotional disorders and hyperactivity.

INTELLECT

During free play, the child learns to set a certain goal for himself, thus shaping his will. He decides to act – for example, reaching the top of the rocker. He learns to make decisions and develops his will. Determining the distance, for example, between the rungs of a rocker is nothing more than learning orientation in space. A child becomes convinced that if he wants to achieve a goal, he must develop perseverance and consistency to achieve it. Achieving the goal gives the child joy and satisfaction. In this way, the child builds self-esteem. Spending time actively – preferably outdoors – and when there is no such option, for example with a rocking chair, the child oxygenates the brain. This, on the other hand, has a positive effect on memory and concentration, and thus the child learns more effectively.

Determining the distance, for example, between the rungs of a rocker is nothing more than learning orientation in space. A child becomes convinced that if he wants to achieve a goal, he must develop perseverance and consistency to achieve it. Achieving the goal gives the child joy and satisfaction. In this way, the child builds self-esteem. Spending time actively – preferably outdoors – and when there is no such option, for example with a rocking chair, the child oxygenates the brain. This, on the other hand, has a positive effect on memory and concentration, and thus the child learns more effectively.

In summary, motor skills are not given to us from birth. We have to educate it through free movement and controlled actions, thanks to which the general efficiency of the body and intellect improve.

We cannot expect a child to write his name neatly until he learns to cross the footbridge, overcome an obstacle, or has mastered his balance.

I wish you and myself beautiful moments in motion with our loved ones!
– Magda