Physical Development and Health
"For sensory-motor infants and toddlers, physical movement plays a major role in all learning" (Post, Hohmann, and Epstein 39).
“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” ( John F. Kennedy)
“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” ( John F. Kennedy)
Physical development ma be just as important as social and cognitive development in that children grow when they move. Teachers are always coming up with new ways to help children "get their wiggles out," whether it's because the day is rainy or snowy, or because the children just have a lot of energy. In turn, research shows that children who don't move on a regular basis develop slower than children who are given time and room to move and play freely. In our classroom, we always spend some time both in the morning and in the afternoon to move our bodies, whether its through fun classroom activities, nature walks, or gym games.
Activities that assist with physical development help children to utilize their gross motor skills and fine motor skills, to be aware of their bodies, to take care of their bodies, and to engage in healthy behaviors.
Materials for the classroom: balls, large cars, duct tape, straws, streamers, traffic cones, bean bags, jump ropes, bubbles, bubble machine
Activities that assist with physical development help children to utilize their gross motor skills and fine motor skills, to be aware of their bodies, to take care of their bodies, and to engage in healthy behaviors.
Materials for the classroom: balls, large cars, duct tape, straws, streamers, traffic cones, bean bags, jump ropes, bubbles, bubble machine
Activities for Infants (0 - 18 months)
Activities for Toddlers (18 - 24 months)
Activities for Preschoolers (3 - 5 years)