Whole-Child Movement: Inclusive Curriculum Approaches for Gross Motor Development

This interactive workshop explores research-informed approaches to early childhood curriculum design, with a focus on gross motor development for children ages 6 months to 9 years. Led by educators and program leaders from diverse cultural contexts, presenters will share curriculum models from preschool, swim, and soccer enrichment programs around the globe. Participants will explore how developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, play-based movement experiences support learning across the early years. Through activity demonstrations, small-group discussion, and real-world examples, attendees will leave with practical strategies and resources to apply in early learning settings.

Benita Taylor, South Africa; Marinda Neethling, South Africa; Helen Hughes, United Kingdom; Laura Mellor-Bachman, United States