The crucial role of psychomotor skills in child development

In education, the importance of addressing children's holistic development is increasingly recognised. Beyond academic learning, it is essential to pay attention to their physical, emotional and social development. In this sense, psychomotor skills have become a fundamental discipline for child development, as they play a crucial role in children's growth and well-being.

At Coruña British International School we approach psychomotricity from a very young age, as the relationship between movement and cognitive and emotional processes is vital. We combine physical and mental aspects, promoting the development of motor skills, coordination, balance, spatial and body perception, as well as emotional regulation and social interaction.

One of the reasons why we focus on psychomotor skills in childhood is because movement is seen as the natural way for children to explore and understand the world around them. Through movement and play, our students learn to get to know their own bodies, to relate to others and to acquire skills that will be fundamental in their later development.

Psychomotor skills, beyond writing

Along these lines, psychomotor skills help children develop gross and fine motor skills. Physical movement allows them to strengthen their muscles, improve their balance and coordination, and develop motor skills such as jumping, running, throwing and catching. These motor skills become the building blocks for physical development and the acquisition of basic skills, such as getting dressed, writing or performing everyday tasks.

In addition, psychomotor activity fosters children's cognitive and emotional development. Through movement, children explore and experiment with their environment, stimulating their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Movement also promotes attention, concentration and logical reasoning. At the same time, movement and play release emotions, helping children to express themselves, manage stress and develop social skills.

For all these reasons, at Coruña British International School psychomotor skills play a transversal role in the learning and academic performance of children. We don't say so ourselves, scientific studies have shown that children who participate in psychomotor activities perform better in areas such as reading, writing and maths. This is because psychomotor activity stimulates the integration of the cerebral hemispheres, favouring communication between the motor and cognitive areas of the brain.

Psychomotricity at school promotes an active and participatory learning environment. Through playful and practical activities, children develop their creativity, their ability to collaborate and their autonomy. Play and movement become powerful pedagogical tools, facilitating the understanding of abstract concepts, the development of critical thinking and the motivation to learn.

Through movement and play, children acquire motor skills, develop their cognitive and emotional capacity, and improve their academic performance. Aware of its importance, we promote psychomotor skills in the educational curriculum, integrating psychomotor activities into children's daily lives. In doing so, we promote healthy and holistic development, preparing children to face life's challenges with confidence and solid skills.