Physical Development
Providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
Ideas to support learning at home:
Fine Motor Control (small movements):
- Allow children to push the straws into cartons.
- When painting give children a cotton bud instead of a paintbrush.
- Use a knife and fork.
- Encourage children to peg washing on the line.
- Play games that require children to pick up counters such as snakes and ladders or tiddlywinks.
- Draw around objects and then cut out the shapes.
- Draw a picture on the computer using a mouse.
- Experience play dough to mould and shape
Gross Motor Skills (large scale movements):
- Riding on a wheeled toy such as a bike or scooter.
- Set up an obstacle course in the garden or park where children must go over, under, around and through.
- Enjoy yourselves by dancing to favourite songs, either freestyle or through action songs such as I’m a little teapot or the hokey cokey.
Healthy Eating:
- Model making healthy eating choices.
- Allow children to be part of the process of shopping for healthy food.
- Encourage children to be involved in cooking healthy meals.
- Discuss what effects different foods have on the body.