Pikler Motor Structures
The motor structures are inspired by the work of the famous Hungarian paediatrician Emmi PiklerShe is a pioneer in the field of free motor skills for young children.
The benefits of free motor skills: unleashing children's motor potential
The principles of free movement were initiated by Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler (1902 - 1984). Free motor skills are based on the fundamental idea that children are intrinsically motivated to explore and develop their motor skills on their own. Early childhood professionals continue to study and apply the principles of free motor activity. They are also being embraced by parents who want to support their children's motor development in a respectful and caring way. By allowing children to experiment freely and independently, we give them the opportunity to learn about their bodies, developing balance, coordination, muscle strength and self-confidence. Free motor skills enable them to develop a wide range of physical, cognitive and social skills, essential for their overall development.What is free motricity?
Emmi Pikler has devoted much of her career to the study of child development. She has contributed to the promotion of an approach that respects the autonomy and freedom of movement of toddlers. His observations of infants at his institute in Budapest in the 1940s highlighted the importance of :- allow children to explore their environment freely;
- develop their motor skills without excessive or adult-directed intervention.
- encourages their autonomous exploration of movement;
- supports children's natural ability to discover and develop motor skills at their own pace, without adult constraints.
What are the benefits of free motor activities?
Free motor skills offer many benefits for a child's overall development, including :- motor progress: children naturally develop motor skills such as crawling, rolling, climbing, walking and jumping. He learns to control his movements, improve his balance, coordination and muscle strength.
- self-confidence: by exploring and mastering motor skills on their own, children gain confidence in their abilities. They develop greater self-esteem and confidence in their own physical abilities.
- independence: with the freedom to move around and explore his environment, he learns to make decisions for himself, solve problems and become more autonomous in his daily actions.
- sensory perceptions: children explore their environment through their senses. They develop greater awareness of their bodies, the space around them and the relationships between objects. He refines his senses, such as touch, sight and hearing, and his spatial perception.
- concentration and focus: engaged in free motor activities of their own accord, children are forced to concentrate and maintain their attention on a given task. This also helps him to calm down and relax, providing an outlet for his energy.
- social interaction: by letting children explore and play freely, they have the opportunity to observe, imitate and interact with their peers. This enhances their social skills and ability to collaborate.
How to practice liberated motor development?
The practice of free motor skills involves providing a safe and stimulating environment. In this setting, children can explore and develop their motor skills independently. The space must therefore be designed to enable them to move freely. The environment must be reassuring and free from hazards. For the baby, the ideal choice is a playmatsupplemented by a mirror with brachiation bar. When the child's first motor impulses for walking appear, we move on to structures directly inspired by the work of Emmi Pikler, such as :- the bar trianglewith its step ramp or Pikler triangle ;
- the tunnel structure with corner blog ;
- l'bar arch ;
- modules stage, step and slope and blocks with brachiation bars.
- in the forest with its natural elements ;
- in a park, a square, with play areas installed.
What are the links between free movement and Montessori pedagogy?
Visit free motricity and the Montessori pedagogy share a common vision of the child as an active and autonomous individual in his or her development. These two educational approaches share similar values and principles:- child development based on exploration of the environment;
- autonomy and independence;
- freedom of movement ;
- take the initiative and let them follow their own pace, interests and intrinsic motivation;
- self-confidence.