In the News
Children’s physical development
Physical development is one of the Prime Area of learning and development in the English Early Years curriculum – the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These Prime Areas are ‘fundamental’ to children’s development.
Sometimes the idea that practitioners can influence physical development, beyond healthy eating and exercise, seems a little alien. After all, we can’t MAKE children grow taller or change their physical attributes.
However, physical development is inextricably linked to all the other areas of learning and development, including children’s thinking skills and behaviour. Without the physical sensation of movement, children cannot understand ‘fast’, ‘slow’ or ‘spinning’. They need to have these experiences to move confidently and build on their skills for more complex movements later on.
Similarly, behaviour can be affected by physical development. Temper tantrums may be born out of being physically unable to achieve the desired endeavour – coupled with not yet having the language to explain what is required to someone else.
When physical development is not supported fully, it can affect all other areas of learning and development.
If you want to know more about how young children’s physical development is significant to their self-regulation, do join us at the North West Early Years Professional/ Early Years Teacher’s Development Day on Friday, 20th March 2015 in Warrington.
The inspirational Marion Dowling will be using her keynote to highlight an exploration of physical development, nature, nurture and the growth of young children.
There are also workshops on Maths with Terry Gould; Songs and Rhymes with Zoe Greenhalgh; Sandi Garner exploring school readiness and children’s well-being with Laura Henry.
You can find more details on the Development Day here as well as being able to book via the website.
Kathy Brodie
https://www.kathybrodie.com/author/kathy-brodie/Kathy Brodie is an author, Early Years Professional and Trainer specialising in online training and courses. She is the founder and host of the Early Years Summit and Early Years TV, weekly Professional Development for Early Years practitioners and educators.