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Kid ability to sense co-ordinated movement

What is Proprioception?

What is Proprioception?

 

Proprioception, otherwise known as kinesthesia, is the body's ability to sense movement, action, and location.

Simply put it is the body's ability to sense itself and its parts in relation to each other. It helps us to co-ordinate movement. It is a mysterious sense since we are largely unaware of it in our daily activities.

Without proprioception, you wouldn’t be able to move without thinking about your next step. Proprioception allows you to walk without consciously thinking about where to place your foot next. It lets you touch your elbow with your eyes closed or type without looking at the keys.

Proprioception is developed in the womb and results from sensory receptors in your nervous system and body. Most of these receptors are in muscles, joints, and tendons.

When babies are kicking, crawling, learning to walk, pushing against the floor … all these activities are developing and refining their proprioception.

Movement helps babies to create a mental map of their body. So when your baby finds his/her toes and takes them to their mouth... that’s proprioception at work.

Tummy time is again a very important activity to develop this sense. The baby learns to lift her head, tries to hold it still, looks sideways, tries to position to her hands and pushes against the floor, tries to move ahead. Placing a spinning drum or a rolling bell to entice and engage your baby will help refine this sense early on.

It is also refined with practical life activities that help understand the correct amount of force that is required to execute any task. e.g.,. When to stop while pouring when the cup is full or how to balance and rock the balance board to be able to stand on it without falling.

Movement refines and develops Proprioception.

Everything your baby touches, sees, feels, hears and every movement is a sensory exploration to fill their environment with sensorial joy.

FAQ:

1. What is the most important thing to know about Proprioception?

It is responsible for body awareness, coordination, posture, self-regulation, concentration and speech.

2. Can proprioception be improved?

Yes, it can be improved through certain exercises.

3. Is Proprioception also called the sixth Sense?

Yes, it is also known as the sixth sense because it is equally important like the other five senses and works even if the person is unaware of it.

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1. What are Montessori educational toys, and how do they help with child development?

Montessori educational toys are designed to encourage hands-on learning, problem-solving, and independent exploration. They enhance fine motor skills, sensory perception, cognitive development, and social-emotional growth through meaningful play. Unlike traditional toys, Montessori toys are often made from natural materials and focus on one skill at a time to promote deep learning.

2. How do Montessori educational toys support early childhood development?

Montessori-inspired toys play a crucial role in early childhood development by refining sensory perception, enhancing cognitive abilities, and fostering independence. Through purposeful play, children strengthen skills like dynamic visual tracking, proprioception, depth perception, and fine motor control, which are all fundamental for lifelong learning.

3. What are some Montessori activities for toddlers that promote learning?

Here are a few engaging Montessori activities that help toddlers build essential skills:

  • Sensory Play Ideas – Exploring different textures, colors, and sounds.
  • Fine Motor Skills Activities – Stacking, threading beads, and using tweezers.
  • Gross Motor Skills Development – Balancing, climbing, and movement-based games.
  • Cognitive Development Activities – Simple puzzles, sorting shapes, and matching colors.
  • Language Development in Toddlers – Naming objects, storytelling, and sound matching.

These activities enhance motor skills, cognitive functions, and sensory perception, supporting the developmental milestones discussed in the blog.

Looking for age-appropriate Montessori educational toys?

Explore our curated selection at Nino Mondo and start your child’s journey to independent learning today!