Page 63 - PSPS: A Training guide

Unit 6 Supporting Physical Development

Introduction

‘Physical well-being is important for learning and development as this enables children
to explore, to investigate, and to challenge themselves in the environment. A growing
awareness of their bodies and abilities is also part of this. The adult supports children’s
psychological and physical well-being by helping them to make healthy choices about
nutrition, hygiene and exercise’ (Aistearsiolta, 2020)

Sometimes we are so alert to young children’s socio-emotional or specific learning
needs, unless there is a physical disability, we tend to pay less attention their physical
development. However, perhaps one of the key learnings that we can take from the
recent pandemic, is that restricted movement and limited opportunities to exercise
gross motor skills can significantly impact a child’s development.

It is really important that children’s physical development is an integral part of
the preschool to primary school transition process. The change between those
two environments can be quite sudden for a child. For example, preschool
generally involves more fluid and regular access to the outdoors and less of a
focus on tabletop activities. Primary school recreation breaks and access to
outdoor space are more scheduled, and sitting at desks/tables for longer

periods of time is more common practice. In order to support children around
both changes in their physical environment and to their own level of
movement, it is important to understand their physical development.

Supporting Physical Development: Objectives

The core objectives for this unit are that each adult in the child’s life will:

Understand and respond to all aspects of the child’s physical development at
this stage

Understand the role and impact that the new routine and surroundings will
have upon their physical development
Have awareness of any vulnerabilities that may affect the child’s physical
development

Provide activities that cater for the needs of all children

Ensure that the child’s physical health is nurtured and supported through the
transition.