Storie in Movimento, new educational resources on movement and early childhood development
The IN-STEAM project continues to expand its repository of innovative educational resources by showcasing three practical manuals developed within the Italian initiative Storie in Movimento, with the participation of Pleiadi. These materials provide educators and families with concrete tools to foster inclusion, wellbeing and learning through movement in early childhood.
The Storie in Movimento project focuses on tackling educational poverty among young children by promoting physical activity, community engagement and teacher training. It brings together schools, families and local stakeholders to support children’s psycho-physical development, particularly in the 3–6 age range . Within this framework, a set of three thematic manuals has been created, each addressing a key dimension of movement-based education.
A trilogy of practical guides
The three manuals (in Italian) – commonly referred to by their colours (Yellow, Orange and Blue) – offer complementary perspectives:
- The Yellow Manual explores how to encourage regular physical activity among children aged 3 to 6, highlighting the importance of movement as a foundation for healthy growth and learning pathways.
- The Orange Manual focuses on the relationship between physical activity and executive functions in early childhood education. It shows how movement, play and storytelling can support cognitive development, helping children strengthen attention, memory and self-regulation skills .
- The Blue Manual introduces the concept of “space in movement”, emphasising how learning environments and bodily experience are interconnected. It reflects on the role of movement not only as a physical activity but also as a way of exploring and understanding the world .
Together, these resources provide a holistic approach that links motor activity with cognitive, emotional and social development.
These manuals highlight how local initiatives can contribute to a broader European effort to make science and education more inclusive and accessible. The project itself aims to rethink educational practices by integrating interdisciplinary approaches and promoting participation across diverse learning contexts .
Supporting educators and communities
These manuals are not only theoretical frameworks but also practical tools designed for immediate application in classrooms and community settings. They offer activities, methodological guidance and reflections that empower educators to adopt more inclusive and engaging teaching practices.
Download manuals here:
