Inspiring children to move: what Play School’s music-and-movement resource offers the ECEC sector

Insights from ABC Kids and Play School reinforce the value of movement, music and play as central components of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Insights from ABC Kids and Play School reinforce the value of movement, music and play as central components of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC).

The Inspiring Children to Move: Music, Play and Props resource highlights how simple, everyday experiences can support children’s development across multiple domains, offering practical guidance for educators seeking to embed movement more intentionally in practice.

Movement plays a critical role in early development, supporting physical, cognitive and emotional growth.

Movement-based experiences contribute to:

• gross motor development, including balance and coordination
• fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination
• language and communication through rhythm and repetition
• social development through shared play and interaction
• emotional expression and self-regulation

The resource highlights that movement is not an ‘add-on’ to learning, but a core component of how children engage with and understand the world.

Music supports participation, memory and connection, making it a valuable tool in early learning environments.

The resource demonstrates how music can be used to:

• support transitions between activities
• encourage imitation and pattern recognition
• build early literacy through rhyme and rhythm
• create predictable and engaging routines
• foster connection between children and educators

Importantly, music-based experiences do not require specialist skills, and can be embedded through everyday interactions.

A key strength of the approach is the use of simple, accessible materials to support engagement.

Everyday props such as scarves, ribbons, soft toys and recycled materials can be used to:

• extend imaginative and creative play
• support sensory exploration
• develop motor planning and coordination
• build confidence in movement

Props also provide opportunities to adapt experiences for children with diverse needs, supporting inclusive participation.

The resource encourages educators to integrate movement throughout the day, rather than limiting it to scheduled activities.

Movement can be incorporated into:

• daily routines, including arrival and group times
• transitions between activities
• outdoor play and exploration
• storytelling and group experiences
• calming and regulation strategies

This approach aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework, which emphasises responsive, play-based learning embedded across the day.

Movement and music experiences can be adapted to support all children, regardless of ability or developmental stage.

Educators can adjust:

• pace and complexity of activities
• use of props and sensory inputs
• group size and participation expectations
• levels of modelling and support

This flexibility supports equitable access and encourages all children to participate at their own level.

Educational leaders can use the resource to strengthen practice across the service by:

• supporting educator confidence in leading movement experiences
• embedding music and movement within curriculum planning
• linking practice to the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard
• promoting environments that prioritise play, creativity and engagement

Movement-rich programs also support key areas of the National Quality Standard, including Quality Area 1 (Educational program and practice) and Quality Area 5 (Relationships with children).

The Play School resource reinforces a core principle of early childhood education: children learn best through active, engaging and meaningful experiences.

By embedding movement, music and play into everyday practice, ECEC services can support children’s development while fostering joy, connection and a strong sense of wellbeing.

Source: ABC Kids, Play School