Movement concepts teaching resources

Movement concepts refer to the fundamental ideas and principles that underpin physical activity and movement in educational settings, particularly within the Health and Physical Education curriculum in New Zealand. These concepts include space awareness (where the body moves), effort (how the body moves), and relationships (with people, objects, or the environment), and they help students develop a deeper understanding of movement patterns, skills, and strategies. Teaching movement concepts allows students to explore and refine their physical abilities, make decisions about movement in various contexts, and apply knowledge to improve performance and participation. Educators might use resources with this tag to design activities that encourage students to experiment with different ways of moving, to develop co-ordination, control, and spatial awareness, or to integrate movement into other learning areas. Using movement concepts helps create inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate lessons that cater to diverse needs, promote physical literacy, and support students’ overall wellbeing and confidence in physical activity.