Preschooler Physical Development Flashcards
What should be expected in physical growth?
- Height and weight increases
- Proportional changes
What influences a child’s height and weight increase?
The rate can vary significantly from one child to another, influenced by genetic and environmental factors
How are the proportional changes?
The body becomes more proportionate (toddlers’ heads are bigger than their body) The legs grow faster than the torso, and they lose some baby fat, taking on a more elongated shape
What developmental milestones should be expected?
- The refinement of motor skills
- Self-care skills
What are signs gross motor skills have become more refined?
Running, jumping and climbing become more coordinated
What are signs fine motor skills have become more refined?
- Cutting with scissors
- Drawing detailed pictures
- Beginning to write some letters and numbers
What are self-care skills that preschoolers begin to master?
- Dressing
- Feeding themselves
- Using the toilet independently
What health considerations should be made for a preschooler?
- Nutrition (introduce balanced diets & instill healthy eating habits)
- Sleep (when growth hormone is primarily secreted)
- Routine health check-ups (to monitor growth patterns and overall health)
What are the psychological aspects that come with physical development?
Confidence and independence. As children grow physically, they become more confident in their abilities to perform tasks independently
What are the physical milestones for gross motor skills in 4 year olds?
- Climbing well
- Running easily
- Pedalling a tricycle
What are the physical milestones for fine motor skills in 4 year olds?
- Building with blocks
- Drawing circles and other simple shapes
- Using utensils (spoons, forks)
What are the physical milestones for gross motor skills in 5 year olds?
- Hopping and standing on one foot
- Throwing, catching and kicking a ball
- Climbing larger playground equipment
What are the physical milestones for fine motor skills in 5 year olds?
- Using scissors
- Detailed drawing
- Independently dressing and undressing
What are the physical milestones for fine motor skills in 6 year olds?
- Writing some letters and numbers
- Fine motor coordination in arts and crafts
- Advanced self-care skills
What are the physical milestones for gross motor skills in 6 year olds?
- Swinging and climbing skills mature
- Balancing skills improve (eg: on a beam)
- Increased coordination in sports
Why are physical activities important for preschool kids?
For their physical and cognitive development, as well as the growth of social skills
What are some effective physical activities tailored to preschool aged children?
- Outdoor play
- Structured sports
- Playground activities
What are some examples of outdoor play?
- Tag and chase game (You’re it)
- Biking or tricycle riding
- Nature walks
What are the benefits of playing tag and chasing?
- Great for cardiovascular fitness & agility
- Teaches basic rules and turn-taking
What are the benefits of biking or tricycle riding?
It helps develop balance and gross motor skills
What are the benefits of nature walks?
Walking or hiking on different terrains helps promote physical fitness and an appreciation for nature
What are examples of structured sports?
- Soccer
- T-ball or softball
- Gymnastics
What are the benefits of playing soccer?
It introduces basic sport skills and teamwork
What are the benefits of playing T-ball or softball?
- Helps improve hand-eye coordination
- A good introduction to team sports
What are the benefits of getting into gymnastics?
Basic gymnastics or tumbling classes teach flexibility, balance, and body awareness
How do playground activities benefit preschool physical development?
- Climbing frames help strengthen muscles and improve motor coordination
- Swings aid in developing balance and understanding spatial orientation (understanding one’s own position in space)
- Climbing up and sliding down slides help with physical confidence and social interaction skills
