I bet the title already took you to the world of food. We associate this phrase with all the information we receive about processed foods and the quality of what we eat. Organic food is often presented as the solution, as the best option for any type of diet because of its quality.

But I’m borrowing this phrase with a different intention.

Something organic is something that develops naturally, without being artificially imposed. In other words, without imposing a timeline, a pace, or a plan. It has its own timing; it has its own progressive choreography.

So, I’m borrowing this phrase so we can talk about movement, because organic is better.

When we talk about early childhood education, organic development is essential. We could define organic development in early childhood as respecting each infant’s individual pace and allowing their abilities to emerge progressively through natural and meaningful experiences.

And when I say meaningful, I don’t mean extraordinary things from an adult’s perspective, but from an infant’s perspective.

Allowing an infant to reach out their hand and make the connection between their eyes and hands is an extraordinary step in their organic development. Allowing an infant to independently move into a squat while attempting to stand, or to use their arms to begin moving and learning to crawl, are extraordinary moments in their development.

But what is the concern here, if this seems like something we already know?

The concern is that we, as adults, need to allow these processes to happen organically. We should avoid introducing objects or devices that attempt to shortcut the natural developmental process of children. For example, walkers that place children in the middle so they can bounce or “walk.”

Let’s respect the organic process of the body’s own evolution. Infants’ bodies will respond and be ready for each stage when the time is right.

Organic. Their physical, motor, and emotional development is better.