Building Foundations: Implementing Perceptual Motor Programs in the Early Years
Session Description
This session explores the implementation of a Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) as a practical and evidence-informed approach to supporting early years learners in developing the foundational skills required for movement, learning, and everyday functioning. PMP focuses on strengthening the connection between perceptual and sensory processes and motor skill development, enabling students to better understand and interact with their environment.
Grounded in the key concepts of Direction, Space, and Time (D, S, T), PMP provides structured opportunities for students to develop spatial awareness, body control, and movement confidence. The program supports students to progress from reliance on teacher guidance to increasing independence and self-regulation.
The session will highlight how young learners require repeated, varied experiences to grasp D, S, and T concepts, and how movement-based activities using verbal, visual, and auditory cues can enhance both brain function and skill acquisition. Importantly, the development of perceptual motor skills is linked to both students’ perceptions and subsequent actions or responses within their environment, as well as readiness for academic tasks such as reading and writing.
Participants will be introduced to practical, adaptable activities aligned to the three focus areas, (D, T, S), demonstrating how PMP can be embedded within educational settings to support both children’s development and broader curriculum outcomes. This session aims to build teacher confidence in designing purposeful movement experiences to cater for a variety of student needs.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will have access to 40 PMP activities ready to be taken into their school to implement immediately. The activities will assist delegates to understand the purpose and structure of a PMP and its connection to Direction, Space and Time. These concepts are directly linked to Content Descriptions and Achievement Standards, (V2.0). Participants will also gain confidence in using assessment guidelines and targeted questioning to monitor student understanding and inform teaching. By the end of the session, they will be equipped to design and adapt PMP activities to suit their context, supporting both movement competence and broader learning outcomes.
Curriculum Level
F - 6
Keywords
Health Benefits of Physical Activity, Lifelong Physical Activity
Presentation Type
Practical Workshop
B
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