Understanding Physical Development in Young Children"" By Sean Brotherson
Answers
Answer:
Sean Brotherson
Family Science Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
Seeing a baby roll over
for the first time or
watching a preschooler
learn to kick a ball are
precious moments in the
life of a parent or caregiver.
Rolling over or eating with
a spoon are examples of
physical development physical development. physical development
Think about the importance
of physical abilities and
the role they play in a
child’s life.
Understanding
Physical Development
in Young Children
Muscles and
Motor Skills
The growth of a young
child’s physical abilities is
truly amazing. Think of all the
physical abilities a child must
develop to adjust to the world:
learning to see and recognize
others, rolling over, holding
a bottle or cup, crawling
around objects and more.
These are all complex physical
tasks that require strength,
coordination and perception.
They also are developmental
moments, those windows of
time when parents or caregivers
can see the ways in which a
young child is growing and
developing new skills and
abilities.
Physical development
provides children with the
abilities they need to explore
and interact with the world
around them.
A young child’s physical
growth first begins as muscles
gain strength with use and
children gradually develop
coordination. The development
of muscular control is the first
step in this process.
Think about the words physical
development. They encompass
so many different tasks and
abilities. What are some of them
and what role do they play?
For example, crawling across
the floor is a task young
children engage in that
involves physical development.
It also involves activities such
as running around outside,
jumping on the bed, grasping a
parent’s finger or using a pencil
to draw in a coloring book.
Where do these tasks all fit in
the world of physical growth
and development?