Young children learn by interacting with their environment. Developmentally appropriate movement programs for young children are designed so that all children are active participants, not passive listeners or observers. Teachers of young children are guides or facilitators. Since young children learn by doing, it follows that their teachers must facilitate the children's active involvement in learning. Teachers construct the environment with specific objectives in mind, then assume the role of guiding the children toward these goals.
Young children learn and develop in an integrated way.
Learning is not compartmentalized. Physical, emotional, social and cognitive development is interrelated. Learning experiences in movement should tie in with all areas of development. Planned movement experiences enhance play. A combination of play along with planned movement experiences, specifically designed to help children develop physical skills, is most beneficial in helping them develop.