We are constantly referring to the vestibular system in class. But what is the vestibular system, and what does it do?
The vestibular system is a sensory system that contributes to our balance and coordination. Your vestibular system also
helps make you *feel* like you are moving. For example, in an elevator a person feels like the elevator is going down when it goes down, even though they are standing still. That's due to your vestibular system!
Stimulation to the vestibular system is extremely beneficial, especially for young children. The more stimulation the vestibular system receives, the more neural pathways are created. This means that learning is activated through movement!
Not only it does you good to move, but it *feels* good. You will see your baby starting to rock their whole body back and forth at an early age, and then move their heads back and forth and side to side, because it feels good.
It's funny, I remember my mom telling my dad NOT to throw my brother up in the air, or spin him around in a chair because he would get dizzy and that was not good for him. Yes, getting a little dizzy is a short term consequence, but doing those things are actually good for children brain development.
So next time you come to Kindermusik class keep this in mind, and move around to promote further development of balance, coordination, and learning!
