Module 11 Preschoolers Physical Development
Module 11 Preschoolers Physical Development
Module 11 Preschoolers Physical Development
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this Module, you should be able to:
identify preschool children's physical growth, identify the different gross and fine
motor skills.
draw implications of these concepts of physical development in teaching
preschoolers.
INTRODUCTION
The preschooler years is commonly known as "the years before formal schooling begins."
It roughly covers 3-5 years of age. Although it is known as the years before formal school, it is
by no way less important than the grade school years. The preschool years is very important as it
lays foundation to later development. At this stage, preschoolers achieve many developmental
milestones. As such, pre-service teachers who might be interested to teach and care for
preschoolers need to be knowledgeable about them to be truly an intentional and effective
teacher.
ABSTRACT
Preschoolers loves to move. They enjoy being active. They are also interested to work
with their fingers, like with blocks. They have a more balanced stance than toddlers. Read on and
MODULE 11 – PRESCHOOLER’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
you will learn more about the typical physical development of preschoolers, the important
concerns and issues, and how teachers and caregivers can help maximize the preschoolers'
growth and development.
2. The preschoolers' physical development is marked by the acquisition of gross and fine
motor skills.
4. Proper nutrition and the right amount of sleep are very important for the preschoolers.
5. Caregivers and teachers can do a lot in maximizing the growth and development of
preschoolers.
6. Preschoolers with special needs in inclusive classrooms can thrive well with the
appropriate adaptations made in the classroom, materials and activities.
out by age six are also developing. The preschooler years are therefore a time to instill habits of
good dental hygiene.
using their hands interchangeably. We can observe a preschooler shifting the crayon from left to
right and back again while working on a coloring activity.
Stages of Drawing
Scribbling stage. This stage begins with large
zig-zag lines which later become circular
Stage 1 markings. Soon, discrete shapes are drawn.
The child may start to name his/her drawing
towards the end of this stage.
Preschematic stage. May already include
early representations (This also becomes very
significant when we discuss about cognitive
development). At this point adults may be
able to recognize the drawings. Children at
this stage tend to give the same names to their
Stage 2 drawings several times. Drawings usually
comprise of a prominent head with basic
elements. Later, arms, legs, hands and even
facial features are included.
Schematic stage. More elaborate scenes are
depicted. Children usually draw from
experience and exposure. Drawings may
Stage 3 include houses, trees, the sun and sky and
people. Initially, they may appear floating in
air but eventually drawings appear to follow a
ground line.
Everyone who observes a preschooler go through these stages of drawing would surely
say one thing: that the preschooler drew the same drawing maybe a hundred times! Repetition is
the hallmark of early drawing. One wonders if the supply of scratch papers, crayons and pens
will ever be enough. Adults should remember to have a neat supply of these or they will find the
preschoolers' drawings on the furniture and walls! This affords the preschooler opportunities to
gain mastery of fine motor skills.
MODULE 11 – PRESCHOOLER’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
b. Provide them with toys for catching and throwing such as soft large balls and bean bags.
c. Have balancing activities for preschoolers. Use low balance beams and lines on the
classroom floor or playground. Montessori schools have blue or red lines on their
preschool classroom floors.
d. Allow opportunities for rough and tumble play like in a grassy area or soft mats. Keen
observation and monitoring are, of course expected to keep them safe from injury.
e. Ensure that preschoolers get enough rest and sleep. Setting a routine for bed time is ideal.
f. Model good eating habits to preschoolers. Encourage more fruits, vegetables, water and
fresh juices, rather than processed foods, sugary snacks and sodas.
3-year-olds
g. Encourage development of hand-eye coordination by providing large buttons or old
beads to string on a shoe lace.
MODULE 11 – PRESCHOOLER’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
h. Play ball. Show children how to throw, catch, and kick balls of different sizes.
i. Show children how to hop like a rabbit, tiptoe like a bird, waddle like a duck, slither like
a snake, and run like a deer.
j. Encourage free expression in art projects. Avoid asking "what" children are drawing.
Three-year-old may not know or care, but simply enjoy the process of drawing.
k. Provide a variety of art experiences. Make play dough. Create collages from magazine
pictures, fabric, wallpaper, and newsprint. Encourage children to experiment with new
media like wire and cork, soda straws, string, or yarn. Teach children to mix different
colors with paint.
4-year-olds
l. Encourage physical development. Play follow the leader. Pretend to walk like various
animals.
m. Set up an obstacle course indoors with challenges such as crawling, climbing, leaping,
balancing, and running across stepping stones.
5-year-olds
o. Encourage body coordination and sense of balance by playing "Follow the Leader" with
skipping, galloping, and hopping. Skip or jump rope to music, teach folk dances and
games, provide a balance beam, a tree for climbing, and a knotted rope suspended from a
sturdy frame.
p. Teach sack-walking and "twist-em,' "statue," or "freeze" games to provide an outlet for
their drive for physical activity.
q. Play games that can teach right and left directions, like "Hokey-Pokey," "Looby-Loo,"
and "Simon Says."
r. Help children learn to use a pair of scissors by letting them cut out coupons.
APPLICATION
MODULE 11 – PRESCHOOLER’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Examine the skills found in the physical domain of the ELDS. Identify the skills in a
particular sub age group and put an appropriate activity that can help develop each skill. You
may surf the net for suggested activities, interview preschool teachers or simply be creative
yourself!
REFLECTION
As a future facilitator in learning, how can you apply these concepts of physical
development in teaching preschoolers?
http://leftnetwork.weebly.com/the-role-of-the-learner-facilitator.html