Chapter 4: The importance of sustainability for motor development in early childhood: A collaborative study

This chapter presents the outcomes of a collaborative study conducted among early childhood care and education (ECCE) practitioners. The study focused on the significance of motor development during early childhood through a sustainability lens. It utilised Gallahue’s hourglass model to emphasise the critical role of motor development in a child’s overall growth and development. Additionally, the study acknowledges the sustainability implications associated with these developmental aspects. The research approach involved active participation between ECCElecturers from North-West University (NWU) and practitioners as co-researchers within an action learning group (ALG). This collaborative was part of an action learning and action research (ALAR) project that emphasised sustainable practices in early childhood education. The study originated from the collective recognition of a need, as practitioners expressed their awareness of a lack of comprehensive guidance and practical knowledge regarding the importance of motor development in early childhood, including its long-term ecological impact on sustainability. Through this collaborative effort, the study aimed to address these gaps and provide practical insights for creating an ECCE environment that supports parents and practitioners in fostering a secure and stimulating setting. The study emphasises playfulness, movement and exploration while considering sustainability principles. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on motor development in early childhood by incorporating a sustainability perspective and offering practical guidelines in the form of an educational intervention (EI) for early childhood practitioners committed to environmentally conscious practices.