Physical development is a vital part of early childhood, laying the foundation for health, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), physical development is a key area of focus, encompassing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and overall coordination.
As the primary caregiver, you play an essential role in supporting your child’s growth and the best way to support physical development is through fun and engaging activities at home!
So, let’s jump right into our guide: supporting development at home for under 5s: physical development.
Why Physical Development Matters
Physical development is all about building the strength and coordination children need to navigate the world. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), it’s split into two key areas:
Gross Motor Skills: These involve large movements like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. These skills help children develop strength, coordination, and spatial awareness, which are essential for activities like walking or playing sports.
Fine Motor Skills: These focus on smaller, precise movements, such as using fingers to grip, write, or manipulate objects. These skills are crucial for tasks like writing, drawing, threading, and buttoning clothes.
How We Support Physical Development at Nursery
At The Butterfly Patch, physical development is integrated into daily activities. Our play-based approach includes:
Outdoor adventures: Exploring nature, running, and climbing to build strength and coordination.
Sensory play: Activities like scooping, pouring, and moulding to develop fine motor skills.
Curiosity-driven movement: Encouraging children to explore their environment through The Curiosity Approach, promoting independence and creativity.
By creating a supportive and stimulating environment, we help children thrive while fostering confidence and resilience!
Practical Tips to Support Physical Development at Home
Here are some simple yet effective ways to nurture your child’s physical development in everyday routines:
1. Encourage Active Play
Children learn through play, so active games are a fun way to develop gross motor skills like running, jumping, and climbing.
Ideas:
Create an obstacle course with household items. Click here for inspiration.
Play classic games like ‘Simon Says’.
Spend time outdoors, exploring playgrounds, parks or your garden.
2. Promote Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements that are essential for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and using utensils.
Ideas:
Offer activities like threading beads, stacking blocks, or using tweezers to pick up small objects. Click here for inspiration.
Encourage drawing, painting, and colouring to strengthen hand-eye coordination.
Involve your child in simple kitchen tasks, like stirring, peeling or chopping (with child-safe knives and close supervision).
3. Incorporate Movement into Routines
Turn everyday tasks into opportunities for physical activity!
Examples:
Ask your little one to help carry groceries or tidy up toys.
Dance together while listening to music.
Practice balancing by walking along a line or stepping stones.
4. Provide Safe Climbing and Balancing Opportunities
Climbing and balancing are excellent for developing core strength and coordination.
Suggestions:
Use cushions or foam mats to create a safe indoor climbing area.
Encourage balancing on stepping on stones during outdoor adventures.
Visit soft play spaces with your little one – giving them plenty of opportunities for climbing, balancing, running and jumping.
5. Support Rest and Recovery
Physical activity should be balanced with adequate rest to allow the body to recover and grow. Establish a consistent sleep routine for your little one and provide quiet time to recharge.
Click here to check out our bedtime guide!
By incorporating these simple strategies into your daily life, you can support your child’s physical development while creating opportunities for bonding and joy!
After all, early years development is all about fun, exploration and curiosity.
Remember, every hop, skip, and jump is a step toward building a strong and healthy future.
If you’re worried…
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s physical development, our nursery team is here to help.
Chat with your key person or nursery manager and they will offer advice and help to create a plan that complements your child’s needs both at home and in the nursery.
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