Physical Development Activities ✓ Solved

Physical Development Activities [WLOs: 3, 4] [CLOs: 1, 2, 5] This week, you will be creating three activities that will become part of the infant room, early childhood room, and adolescent room of your center. Prior to beginning this assignment, read Chapters 4 and 5, Sections 14.2 and 15.2 in your textbook, and the Physical Development: Motor Development article. Additionally, watch the "Boys: Entering the teen years," "Girls: Entering the Teen Years," and "Playing" videos on physical development.

Physical development, especially in infancy and toddlerhood but also into middle and late childhood, is primarily focused on the development of fine and gross motor skills. The milestones and activities for each age group are very different. In adolescence, the fine and gross motor skills have been mostly developed, and the focus is on strength and skill building as well as dealing with the effects of puberty. For example, coloring or playing with clay would not be an appropriate activity for an infant to improve fine motor skills, but it would be for the early childhood room. In middle and late childhood, children are developing the muscle mass to greatly improve their abilities to run and jump and play organized games, which would not be appropriate for infants or toddlers.

There are many websites aimed at both parents and educators that describe activities to promote physical development. The activities you select do not have to be complex but must be age-appropriate and grounded in developmental milestones. Focus on the primary developmental tasks of each age period. For each of the three activities, write a paragraph that addresses the following: Describe the age-appropriate activity in detail. Identify developmental milestones which supports the use of this activity. Identify how the activity supports physical development for that age group. The Physical Development Activities paper must include a separate title page with the title of the paper, student’s name, course name and number, instructor’s name, and date submitted. Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper. Must use at least one credible source in addition to the course text.

Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for this assignment. Must document any information used from sources in APA style. Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style.

Paper For Above Instructions

Physical development is an essential aspect of childhood, as it lays the foundation for future skills and abilities across one’s lifespan. Children at various stages of development require specific activities that not only aid in the achievement of critical developmental milestones but also support their physical and cognitive growth. This paper presents three age-appropriate activities designed for infants, early childhood, and adolescents, respectively. Each activity will be discussed in detail, highlighting its objectives, the developmental milestones it addresses, and how it promotes physical development at that particular age.

Activity for Infants: Tummy Time

For infants, one effective physical development activity is tummy time. This activity involves placing infants on their stomachs while they are awake and supervised. Tummy time encourages infants to lift their heads and push up with their arms, aiding the development of neck and shoulder muscles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tummy time is crucial for infants to develop the core strength necessary for rolling over, sitting up, and crawling (CDC, 2020). By promoting muscle tone and stability, tummy time supports fine and gross motor skills that are foundational for further locomotion. Developmental milestones associated with tummy time include a baby's ability to lift their head by 1-2 months, which typically leads to rolling over by 4-6 months and crawling by around 9 months (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021).

Activity for Early Childhood: Obstacle Course

In the early childhood room, setting up a simple obstacle course is a highly engaging activity that fosters physical development. The obstacle course can include crawling under tables, jumping over soft blocks, and walking along a balance beam. Such activities enhance gross motor skills by encouraging coordination, balance, and strength. As children navigate the course, they develop their spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, ages 3-5 years are critical for developing both fundamental motor skills and physical fitness (NASPE, 2017). By engaging in an obstacle course, children enhance their ability to run, jump, throw, and catch, which are significant components of their motor development during early childhood.

Activity for Adolescents: Team Sports

For adolescents, engaging in team sports is an ideal way to support physical development. Activities such as basketball, soccer, or volleyball not only enhance physical abilities such as strength, agility, and teamwork but also provide opportunities for social interaction and personal growth. Adolescents are in a crucial stage of development where they begin to refine their motor skills and develop a better understanding of their body’s capabilities. Participating in team sports allows them to build muscle mass and maintain cardiovascular fitness, which are essential aspects of physical health during this period. As noted by the World Health Organization (2020), regular physical activity in adolescence is linked to healthier outcomes in adulthood. By participating in sports, adolescents work towards improving their physical fitness while learning the importance of cooperation and engagement with peers.

Conclusion

In summary, it is essential for educational programs to incorporate age-appropriate physical development activities that align with developmental milestones. Tummy time for infants strengthens foundational motor skills, the obstacle course for early childhood enhances coordination and balance, and team sports for adolescents promote physical fitness and social skills. Engaging in these activities not only supports physical development but also nurtures emotional and cognitive growth as children progress through various stages of childhood. Creating a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of each age group will facilitate holistic development in a community center setting.

References

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Tummy Time. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Important Milestones: Your Baby By Three Months. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

  • National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (2017). Active Start: A Statement of Physical Activity Guidelines for Children from Birth to Age 5. Retrieved from https://www.shapeamerica.org

  • World Health Organization. (2020). Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

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