Physical Development
Stages of Physical Development
When babies are born into this world, there are stages to the physical development of their growth. They begin with the development the coordination of their eyes and limbs that causes more accuracy within their movements (Auger & Rich, 2009). As development continues, children start to develop a sense of balance around the ages of 4-5 years. Further growth makes them handle objects more precisely (Auger & Rich, 2009. At this stage, children are using their fine motor skills to draw, paint, and work with a variety of building materials and other concrete objects. For more detailed milestones of the stages of physical development click here... Importance of Physical Activity Daily physical activity is a very important part of our daily lives at ant stage of physical development . In schools today, many children are not getting the hour of physical activity that is required (Smith, 2010). For this reason, it is important to have students do physical activities both at school and home. It is also crucial for schools to incorporate physical activities into the curriculum for the students to be active while learning (Smith, 2010). Incorporating appropriate exercises that are adaptable to the individual needs of all children can enhance each child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. |
Stages of Development Continued... As children continue to develop physically during their later primary years, they are able to start controlling their movements by putting together sequences. Children then start to develop strength and stamina while their reaction to time and physical coordination improves (Auger & Rich, 2009). This is a crucial stage of development for the schools and educators. Incorporate appropriate active play and exercises into the classroom routines and the curriculum is vital to the improvement of physical development (Auger & Rich, 2009). When planning, monitoring, assessing, or evaluating these activities, it is very important for the educators and parents to understand that every child’s physical development can be different and may vary from the expected milestones. This daily physical activity during school hours and at home should be continued as children develop from this stage throughout their adolescent years. Benefits of Physical Activities 1.Opportunities for socializing 2. Improve fitness 3. Increased concentration 4. Better academic scores 5. Stronger heart, bones and healthier muscles 6. Healthy growth and development 7. Improved self-esteem 8. Better posture and balance 9. Lower stress (2012,gc.ca) |
Try these activities at home with your child!
The following activities can be used by teachers, parent, and guardians in the classrooms or at home. These activities will help to enrich the children's physical development.
Simon Says Game!
Good for: Kindergarten - Grade 6
You can adapt this game to the age of your child.
Kindergarten:
In the earlier stages of development (preschool years) children are starting to coordinate eyes and limbs as well as the handling of objects. So for this age group we can focus on the basics. For example, Simon says touch your: head, shoulders, knees, feet , toes, eyes, ears etc. This helps the students to understand their own physical development of their own bodies as well as coordinating different parts of the body while being active.
Grades 1-2:
The children's physical development is gradually developing to a more balanced proportion. They develop a center of gravity which improves their coordination. For example, Simone says: Wiggle your toes, stand on your left foot
(working on coordination), jump two times, wave both hands etc,
Grade 3 - 4:
Children gradually begin to recognize, repeat, and design visual patterns. The phonological distinction in vowels, sounds, and consonants develops after age 6. We can be creative and incorporate the curriculum into the
game, For ex Simone says: WALK over to the picture or item in the room that shows healthy eating (Health and Physical education curriculum).
Grade 5&6:
Parents/teachers/students can use their creativity to brainstorm ways to incorporate appropriate physical activities into the 'Simon Says' game!
Yoga for Children
What to do:
1) Consult your doctor to make sure you and your child are able to participate.
2) Find an open space in your home or an open space outside to do the activity.
3) Click on 'PLAY' and enjoy!
What to do:
1) Consult your doctor to make sure you and your child are able to participate.
2) Find an open space in your home or an open space outside to do the activity.
3) Click on 'PLAY' and enjoy!
References
- Auger,W. & Rich, S. (2009) Curriculum Theory and Methods. Canada: Wiley. pgs. 32 – 40
- Reading: Smith, P. K. (2010). Children and Play. Malden MA: Wiley-Blackwell. pgs. 99 - 109 and pgs. 115 - 123 Physical activity and play.pdf
- Reading: CMEC statement of play based learning (2012) play-based-learning_statement_EN[1].pdf
- http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/05paap-eng.php
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cNjAj_o0SI