Evan Fresquez Movement skills are an important aspect of physical literacy since it helps children to gain confidence and motivation over time to help them stay physically active.
Other than learning fundamental movement skills, children should also be exposed to physical development, an aspect that is usually ignored.
1. Difference between physical development and growth
While the two are related, physical growth does not always result in physical development. Physical development is a myriad of elements that include coordination of the brain, sensory awareness, and muscle movement. It entails growth, maturation, and the process of gaining motor skills in the life of a child.
For development to happen in a child, environmental and sensory triggers must be put in place. However, for development to happen, the child must be ready to engage in the moving process through physical growth and maturation.
2. Steps in physical development
A child must go through a series of milestones to achieve physical development. These include crawling, walking, and more. During the first months of its life, a child will roll from tummy to back. During 9 months the child will exhibit other behaviors such as sitting up without assistance.
The most important part of physical development is ensuring that children are exposed to a playful environment in order to gain physical literacy.
