Introduce
Physical development (PD) is the growth and development of both the brain and body in infancy and early childhood.
Early Movers
Physical development includes more than just exercise; it involves changes in body size, proportions, motor skills, and perception. This broader view expands on the traditional perspective shaped by P.E. classes, where physical development is often seen solely as exercise or physical activity.
Physical development also emphasises body awareness—understanding the body’s movements, capabilities, and functions. In early years settings, the focus is not only on improving children’s motor skills but also on teaching them how to keep their bodies healthy, fostering lifelong habits such as proper nutrition, hydration and rest.
This holistic approach encourages children to understand their bodies, promoting not just movement, but a mindful, informed approach to physical health that will support their development throughout life.
Develop
By understanding what contributes to a child’s physical development, we can adapt and evolve our approaches, policies, practices and programmes to ensure it meets all of their needs.
How a child moves (physical), connects (social), thinks (cognitive) and feels (affective) during movement and physical activity is crucial to understanding how you can support their development. The environment, culture, community or spaces they move in can also powerfully influence their relationship with movement (their physical literacy) in both positive and negative ways.
Image source: www.sportengland.org
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Your own lived experiences, whether positive or negative, have defined your relationship with movement and physical activity. Everyone’s relationship with and experiences of movement will be different. What has been your journey with sport, physical activity and movement? Use the following questions from Sport England, as a starting point.
– Recall the highs and lows. What pumped you up and what brought you down?
– Did anything restrict your opportunity to be active?
– Did you have access to sporting and fitness facilities?
– Could you afford to take part?
– Did you have family and friends who supported you to be active?
– Did you feel included?
– Were the activities always fun and engaging?
– When have you had a stronger and more positive relationship with movement and why?