Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
Chapter 14
Movement, Health, and the Physical Curriculum
Even though children progress naturally through physical development, it is still
important for early childhood teachers to stress the importance of movement and physical
activity, as well as health concepts into the daily curriculum. Physical development includes fine
motor skills which involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers, as well as gross motor
skills which involve the large muscles of the arms, legs, and torso. There are numerous activities
that can be incorporated into the daily routine that can enhance development in these areas.
Teachers should take into account the individual differences in children when they integrate
materials and activities into the classroom.
Health and nutrition is also an area that can be discussed with children during mealtime,
routines, such as hand washing, and indoor and outdoor play. Childhood obesity has become an
area of concern. By promoting movement, health, and physical activity in the classroom,
children learn how they can help their bodies. This information can be communicated to parents
and family members, as well as networking with community professionals to gain more
knowledge.
What are the Theoretical Underpinnings of Physical Development?
What are the Components of Physical Development?
• Sensori-perceptual development is when senses mature and the child makes meaning of
and comes to understand sensory information better.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
• Physical growth and motor skills happens quickly in the early years.
o Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers.
What are the Various Types of Movement?
• As children engage in various movement activities, they are practicing their physical and
motor skills. Activities can allow children to use their cross-modal perception abilities,
classify objects by category, and play in sand and water. All of these allow children to
practice movements.
How do you Integrate Motor and Physical Development?
