As educators, understanding the importance of core strength in young children, especially those aged 3 to 5 years, can significantly impact their development. Core strength is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in a child's ability to move, play, and even focus on daily activities.

What is Core Strength?

Core strength refers to the muscles around the trunk of the body, including the stomach, back, and pelvis. These muscles are essential for stability and balance, affecting how well a child can move and sit.

Why Core Strength Matters

1. Gross Motor Skills Think about activities like running, jumping, and climbing. These all require strong core muscles. When children have a stable core, they can coordinate their arms and legs better, making their movements more efficient and safer. Imagine a child trying to climb a playground ladder with a weak core – they might struggle to balance and move smoothly.

2. Fine Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve smaller movements, like writing, cutting with scissors, and buttoning clothes. If a child has poor core strength, they might find it hard to sit upright and use their hands properly. Picture a child slouching while trying to colour – without a strong core, it’s tough to hold a crayon steadily.

3. Agility in Play Running around with friends, playing tag, or participating in sports requires not only strength but also agility. Core strength supports balance and coordination, which are essential for quick changes in direction and maintaining speed. When children have a strong core, they are more confident in their movements, reducing the risk of falls and injuries during play.

4. Focus and Sitting for Activities A strong core is necessary for maintaining an upright posture while sitting. Whether at a table for meals, during classroom activities, or while focusing on a task, children with good postural control are less likely to become fatigued or distracted. Proper posture reduces strain on the body, allowing children to concentrate better on the activity at hand.

5. Balance and Independence Everyday activities like standing to get dressed or balancing on one foot require core strength and stability. Children with a strong core can perform these tasks more independently and with greater ease. This independence not only boosts their confidence but also encourages further physical activity and exploration.

For a helpful checklist to observe core strength in children, access our core strength checklist.

Observing Core Strength in Preschoolers

Before worrying about other developmental milestones, it's crucial to observe and support preschool-aged children's core strength skills. Core strength lays the groundwork for more advanced motor skills and cognitive tasks. Observing how a child sits, stands, and moves can provide insights into their core stability. If a child struggles with these foundational skills, they may find more complex tasks challenging.

Simple Changes to Enhance Core Strength

Here are three simple changes you can make to your environment to help boost children's core strength:

Tummy Time Activity Games Set up fun tummy time activities on the floor. Encourage children to play games or engage in activities that require them to lift their heads and support their upper bodies with their arms. This position strengthens the core muscles and prepares them for more complex movements.

Standing and Reaching Activities Instead of having children sit at a table for fine motor skill activities, encourage them to stand and reach above their head or out in front for some tasks. For example, painting with the easel slightly higher, or doing a puzzle using blu-tak on a window. This change promotes better posture and engages the core muscles. For example, you can set up a standing art station where children can draw or paint while standing.

Animal Walks and Crawling Activities Incorporate animal walks and crawling activities into your daily routine. Have children pretend to be different animals, such as bears, crabs, or frogs, and move around the house or classroom. These activities are not only fun but also excellent for building core strength and overall physical activity levels.

For more detailed information and activities to support your child's core strength, check out our core strength PDF program.