Self Determination Theory and Fundamental Movement Skills

Self Determination Theory (STT)

  • Focuses on motivation and psychological needs in individuals.

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)

  • Defined as basic motor skills that are the foundation for more complex movements.

  • Important for overall physical development in children.

Explanation of Abbreviations

  • STT (Self Determination Theory) is used throughout the module.

  • FMS (Fundamental Movement Skills) is introduced and abbreviated after the first mention.

Core Concepts of STT and FMS

Stability

  • Related to balancing and acts more in a static capacity.

  • Moving from one point to another involves stability and control over one's body.

  • Examples of stability in movement:

    • Manipulating objects during activities (e.g., throwing, catching, kicking).

Autonomy

  • Pertains to control and choice in activities.

  • Critical for fostering independence in physical skills among children.

  • Example Activities:

    • LEAP (a specific framework or curriculum) includes autonomy as a key characteristic:

    • Children can position themselves and choose when to jump over an object (e.g., a book arranged in a V shape).

    • This setup allows for decision-making in jumping activities, enhancing their autonomy.

Examples of Activities Supporting Autonomy

  • Locomotive Skills:

    • Includes activities such as walking, hopping, and skipping that allow children to make choices about their movements.

    • Hula hoop jumping: Children decide how high or low to place the hula hoop; autonomy is encouraged as they are not directed by teachers.

  • Elastic Game:

    • Children choose songs to sing during the game, emphasizing autonomy in their involvement and engagement with the activity.

  • Historical Context:

    • Games like hopping over objects (e.g., hearts) were popular in the seventies and eighties, contributing to the development of physical skills.

Importance of Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)

  • FMS are important in everyday activities and can impact other skills such as swimming.

  • Activities commonly used to develop FMS:

    • Overhand control: Applicable in various sports and game activities.

    • Punting: Example given is a golf punt where children create their own golf course. They exercise autonomy in designing their course and deciding how to play it.

Conclusion

  • The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating FMS into lessons to enhance autonomy among children.

  • Teachers should focus not just on activities, but on how these activities can effectively teach content and skills while allowing choice and control to the learners.