Physical Growth and Development

When considering average growth and development and its influence on the ability to perform physical fitness activities, it’s important to keep in mind:

• age

• gender

• environmental influences

• dietary practices

the average physical changes that occur in children are represented by periods of:

1. rapid growth from infancy to early childhood

2. slow, steady growth in middle childhood

3. rapid growth spurts during puberty

4. gradual, measured, slow growth through adolescence

What element of growing has an important influence on how movement skills and fitness activities are performed?

changes in body proportions

ex: rapid change in length of child’s legs can affect movement activities that require running

Gender differences in boy vs girls growth spurts:

Boys peak growth spurt: ages 13-15, growing up to 3.5 inches per year

Girls peak growth spurt: ages 11-13, growing up to 3 inches per year

girls develop wider hips while boys develop broader shoulders

Physical fitness also leads to

psychological well-being

What do effective fitness activities provide in regards to self-image?

physical expression and necessary psychological and emotional structures to create their self-image

confidence and competency gained through physical self-expression construct

personal internalized meaning for children

Instructional programs that are effective in promoting a positive self-image include:

• self-responsibility

• goal-setting

• social interaction

• group interaction

Self-Responsibility

promoting responsibility for one’s self, including self appraisal (strengths and weaknesses)

Goal-Setting

setting and achieving realistic, personal fitness goals; including goals that are progressively more varied at different skill levels

Social Interaction

communication, cooperation, encouraging and praising others, practicing respectful criticism, and accepting individual differences

Group Interaction

fostering social concepts of supportive learning as a group or team; working together to form group decisions, respecting the sport rules, and exhibiting good sportsmanship