Introduce
Physical development also supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. Once a child has confidently developed movement (physical) they will be able to explore their environment, learning from their experiences (cognitive). This in turn will contribute to building confidence in expressing feelings and coping with different tasks (social & emotional).
Physical development contributes to a child’s overall wellbeing by:
- Building confidence and self-esteem as they learn to express themselves and achieve goals
- Establishing healthier habits for the future
- Providing opportunities for building social skills through sharing, teamwork and co-operation
- Improving sleep
Develop
Watch the following video where Donna Robinson (Setting Lead) & Becky Walklett (Manager), from Ladybirds nursery in Stockport, explore how physical development can contribute to a child’s overall health and wellbeing.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: Answer the following questions to consider how you can strengthen the link between physical development and wellbeing:
– Think of examples where physical activity might play a role in helping children manage emotions, reduce stress, and build confidence
– In what ways are you fostering social skills, resilience, and a positive sense of self in children through supporting physical development?
– How do you ensure that the children feel emotionally safe, valued, and supported? How might this impact their physical development?