In this article we will be exploring the importance of Physical and Motor Development for school readiness.
Physical development is the development of body, brain, muscles and senses. Physical development determines a learner’s ability to explore his environment. It influences cognitive development, social development and emotional development.
Motor development consists of both gross-motor skills and fine motor skills.
Gross-motor skills involve the mastery of large muscle movements as well as the building of strength in muscle groups like the arms, legs, and core. Why is this an important element of school readiness?
Fine-motor academic skills refer to the small muscles in the hands. Why is this an important element of school readiness?
Gross Motor Skills
- Trampoline
- Hopscotch
- Martial Arts Classes
- Playground Play
- Balloon and Bubble Play
- Tricycles, Scooters and Pedal Cars
- Dancing
- Obstacle Courses
Fine Motor Skills
- Play dough
- Puzzles
- Drawing, colouring in and painting
- Using kitchen tongs or tweezers
- Cutting with scissors
- Bath time play
- Sand play
- Opening and closing of lids
- Art with macaroni, beans, peas
- Finger paint
- Threading
- watering plants
