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.