This guide will help you answer 1.1 Identify stages of physical development of children from birth to 7 years.
Physical development in children is a dynamic process. From birth to seven years, children undergo several crucial stages. Each stage comes with its own set of milestones. Understanding these stages is essential for any Early Years Practitioner.
Birth to 1 Year Physical Development
Newborn (0-2 months):
- Motor Skills: Babies can move their heads from side to side. They start making grasping motions and begin lifting their heads briefly.
- Reflexes: Infants have several innate reflexes like sucking, rooting, and grasping. These reflexes support survival and initial interactions with their environment.
Infant (3-6 months):
- Head Control: Babies develop better head control. They can raise their heads and chests when lying on their stomachs.
- Hand Coordination: They start reaching for objects, grasping toys, and can transfer items from one hand to another.
Crawler (7-12 months):
- Crawling: Most babies begin to crawl, although some may skip this stage. Crawling helps in developing spatial understanding.
- Standing and Walking: Towards their first birthday, many children pull themselves up to stand and may begin walking with support.
1 to 2 Years Physical Development
Toddler Stage:
- Walking: Toddlers start walking independently. Their walking style initially appears wobbly but stabilises over time.
- Fine Motor Skills: They’re able to pick up small objects between their thumb and forefinger. This skill is known as the pincer grasp. They also start to build small block towers.
2 to 3 Years Physical Development
Early Childhood:
- Running and Climbing: Children become more confident in their running and start climbing up and down furniture.
- Drawing and Manipulation: They begin to scribble with crayons and can turn door handles and knobs.
- Kicking and Throwing: Toddlers develop the ability to kick balls and throw objects with some level of precision.
3 to 5 Years Physical Development
Preschool Stage:
3 to 4 Years:
- Refined Motor Skills: Children can pedal a tricycle and start to balance on one foot for a few seconds.
- Drawing and Writing: They begin to draw more defined shapes and might even start drawing people with basic body parts.
- Dexterity: They can use scissors safely, improve in dressing themselves, and brush their teeth with minimal help.
4 to 5 Years:
- Improved Balance: Jumping, hopping, and standing on one foot are typical skills at this age. They can also catch a bounced ball most of the time.
- Complex Movements: They can navigate playground equipment like slides and swings with ease.
- Writing Skills: Transition to writing letters, numbers, and some simple words. Drawing becomes more detailed.
5 to 7 Years Physical Development
Early School Years:
5 to 6 Years:
- Coordination and Balance: Better coordination allows them to skip and jump rope.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Improved skill in activities like copying shapes and letters or playing catch.
- Physical Endurance: Longer attention span for physically active games and sports.
6 to 7 Years:
- Fine Motor Skills: Ability to tie shoelaces, button buttons and write clearly is much improved.
- Gross Motor Skills: Participation in structured sports becomes more common. They can ride a bicycle without stabilisers.
- Artistic Skills: More intricate drawings and improved handwriting.
The Importance of Milestones
Developmental milestones are essential indicators of a child’s growth. While every child is unique and might reach these milestones at different times, significant delays could indicate the need for further assessment. Early identification and intervention can support a child in meeting their potential.
Observing and Supporting Physical Development
As an Early Years Practitioner, your role involves not just understanding the stages, but also creating environments that foster development. Here are some ways you can support each stage:
- Provide Safe Spaces: Ensure a safe environment where babies can practice rolling, crawling, and walking.
- Responsive Interactions: Engage with infants through eye contact, talking, and playing. These interactions encourage movement and coordination.
- Variety of Activities: Offer a range of activities that develop both gross and fine motor skills. For instance, provide large spaces for running and small objects for grasping.
- Encourage Exploration: Allow children to explore their surroundings. Outdoor play is particularly beneficial for physical development.
- Monitor Progress: Keep regular records of each child’s progress. Collaboration with parents ensures a comprehensive understanding of their developmental journey.
Conclusion
Understanding the stages of physical development from birth to seven years is crucial. Each stage brings new skills and abilities. Recognising these can help you tailor your support effectively. Remember, while milestones provide guidance, each child will develop at their own pace. Your role as an Early Years Practitioner is to support and nurture their growth in a safe, encouraging environment.
