Early Childhood Physical Development (copy)

it shifts downward

What happens to the center of gravity to improve balance?

less than 3 seconds

Balance: How many seconds can a 3 year old balance on one foot for?

8-10 seconds

Balance: How many seconds can a 5 year old balance on one foot for?

proportional, streamlined

Preschoolers’ (age 3-5) bodies are more ____________ and ___________ (legs lengthen, baby fat drops off) and less “top-heavy” (vs. toddlers-top heavy-pot bellies).

2

5-year-olds run twice as fast as ___ year olds.

obstacles, directions

Children are gradually better at running around _________ and quickly changing __________.

3 years old

At what age can children negotiate obstacles?

4 years old

At what age can children turn corners more sharply? (ex. running around the house)

age 2

When does jumping begin?

2-3 years

At what age can children hop a few times in succession?

5-6 years

At what age can children hop skillfully and for longer periods?

5-6

What age can a child skip?

gradually

Throwing and catching _________ improve.

ages 2-3

At what age is catching and throwing awkward and stiff? (propelling the ball forward)

age 3

At what age do children use their torso and arms to form a basket to catch the ball?

age 4

At what age do children throw overhand?

age 5

At what age do children catch a ball using their hands only?

age 5 (think kindergarten)

At what age can children dress themselves independently?

patience

Dressing independently takes __________ and practice.

do things themselves - be autonomous

Do preschoolers want help with things or do they want to do things themselves?

3 years

At what age can children button large buttons?

4 years

At what age can children zip a jacket?

4-5 years

At what age can children lace shoes?

1-2 years

At what age can children “scribble”? (although the scribbles don’t look like objects, they may “name” objects they have drawn)

3 years

At what age are scribbles pictorial?

• they begin to use boundaries to represent boundaries to represent objects

• may label objects and then add details to elaborate

first image of a person (Universal Tadpole)

Between ages 3 and 4, what can children draw?

They can’t coordinate drawing that many body parts at the same time

• They only draw essential shapes

Why do children draw the “Universal Tadpole” instead of normal looking person?

4-4.5 years

At what age do children often add arms and distinguish head from truck; drawings become more unique to the child?

• begin to use the proper grip on their writing utensil

• being to form letters and words, though rough approximations (may reverse letters)

What can children ages 3 and 4 do regarding writing?

younger

Do younger or older children have more fanciful, inventive, abstract, and unrealistic drawings?

older

Do younger or older children draw things that are more realistic, use proper color and scale, and that reflect reality?

9

By what age can children represent depth in their drawings?

differentiation

As children get older, we see more _____________ in drawing ability.

yes, ex. Savant Syndrome

Is it true that some children, even very young ones, have remarkable drawings abilities even though most children get better at drawing as they get older?

• strengthens fine motor skills (ex. drawings, stacking blocks, puzzles)

• strengthens gross motor skills (playing catch, tag, riding a bike)

• maintain a healthy weight (prevent obesity)

How does play influence physical development?

• encourages exploring/interacting

• helps children develop problem-solving skills

• makes them follow rules (games with rules)

• helps them develop self-control

• promotes imagination and creativity

How does play influence cognitive development?

pretend play/sociodramatic play

What are playing kitchen, family, or school examples of?

• reduces stress

• play therapy can be helpful for children who have gone through trauma (helps them to talk about what they’re thinking and feeling)

What are the mental health benefits of play?