Episode 6 – Introduction to the Physical Development Developmental Pathway with Wendy Davies, Cylch Meithrin Ffrindiau Bach Tegryn.

 

This is the last in the Baby Steps into the Curriculum podcast series by Mudiad Meithrin, a series of podcasts explaining what the new Curriculum for Wales means for the Mudiad’s children, staff and families.

In this episode Nia Parry was in the company of Wendy Davies, Leader of Ffrindiau Bach Tegryn in Aberporth. Wendy has worked in the cylch for over 20 years and has enjoyed seeing the cylch develop as one of the Mudiad’s Cylchoedd Canolog (a cylch which is run by Mudiad Meithrin) for the past eight years. During this episode Nia had the opportunity to ask Wendy about the Physical Development Learning Pathway.

“The new Curriculum builds on our existing good work, and acknowledges the importance of moving the body. The Physical Development Learning Pathway is vital to the development of our young children.”

As a mum of three, and one who has worked with young children for over 20 years, Wendy is excited that the Curriculum emphasizes treating each child as an individual;

 “Every child is an individual, each one is unique. Some like throwing balls, others like climbing rocks or dancing. Our role is to give every possible opportunity for them to move in different ways, supporting them to try something new, praising them as they venture, gain confidence and new skills.”

The focus of this Pathway is not physical education. Instead, the emphasis is on moving the body. Wendy explained that this is vital for physical development;

“The children develop from inside out. We emphasise the big movements; climbing rocks on the beach, bouncing, jumping in the mud, collecting seashells, writing on the floor, outdoor cookery, biking… These are all important for developing the children’s large muscles, the smaller muscles on motor skills come afterwards.”

Nia heard how moving the body in the morning has a very positive effect on the children;

“Every morning we begin with a ‘move the body’ CD; jumping, crawling, rolling on the floor… The children are more willing to join in and be a part of quiet and group activities after moving around a lot. It also promotes the well-being of the children after they leave their parents and carers.”

Nia learned how this Learning Pathway is an integral part of all the other new Curriculum pathways;

“Children are natural movers, they never stay still for long! The Physical Development Learning Pathway is an integral part of the Exploration, Communication, Well-being and Belonging Developmental Pathways, but it’s great that it is acknowledged as a field on its own through the new Curriculum. Everybody who lives and works with young children moves more – it’s good for us all, but very good for the development of little ones!

 

Baby Steps into the Curriculum is a Bengo Media and Llais Cymru production for Mudiad Meithrin.  To listen to this episode and others in the series, go to www.podfollow.com/babysteps

Wendy Davies