Playtime is an essential component of a child's physical development. A newborn's first movements are mostly reflexes, but as she develops physically she learns how to use her muscles to reach for toys, to clap and to move around in her space. Physical play naturally involves movement and as children get older and more mobile, they gain strength, control and coordination.
Significance
Both free and structured play helps children learn about themselves and explore their world, as well as gain important life skills, according to the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. In "Play," professional child care trainer and author Lisa Murphy writes that in children, 97 percent of all learning is physical, taking place from the neck down. During the preschool years, children's physical development depends on active, physical play, which helps strengthen gross motor and fine motor muscles.
Function
Play promotes physical development by helping children strengthen their upper and lower bodies through activities such as swinging, climbing, throwing balls, jumping and balancing, according to the Missouri University Extension. Children also develop and strengthen smaller muscles such as those in the fingers and toes during active outdoor play, as well as during sorting activities, coloring and block play.
Time Frame
During his first year, your child's physical milestones include lifting his head and chest during tummy time, rolling over, crawling, pulling up, standing and taking his first steps, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Between 1 and 3 years of age, your child gains walking, climbing, throwing and catching skills through play. From age 3 to age 5, children master jumping, balancing, skipping, simple ball games and tricycling, adds the University of Missouri Extension.
Potential
You can encourage physical development through play by introducing activities that invite children to use their large and small muscles. Your infant needs play time during active, awake periods of the day. Give her space to roll, scoot and crawl; help her move her arms and legs during gentle exercise play; and make sure you have stable furniture or objects for her to pull up on, advises the University of Missouri Extension. Give older children access to push-and-pull toys, age-appropriate climbing structures and small and large balls. Play ball with your child, use a chalk line or hopscotch board to help children develop balance, and provide a mat for tumbling and somersaults to promote development through play, adds the Extension.
Considerations
Dramatic play also promotes physical development, says Dr. Eric Strickland in an "Early Childhood Today" article. Dress-up play helps children develop both fine and gross motor skills. Peek-a-boo and other games that encourage young children to "reach and touch, turn and look, and kick and squeal" help them gain strength and control of their muscles, he adds. Block play helps children develop hand-eye coordination and gain control in their arms and torso, as well as the smaller muscles of their hands through reaching, stacking and balancing.
References
- Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center: Learning Life Skills Through Physical Play
- "Play"; Lisa Murphy; 2009
- University of Missouri Extension: How Does Play Promote Physical Development?
- University of Missouri Extension: Physical Development: Infancy Through Preschool
- "Early Childhood Today"; Physical Development: Developing Motor Skills Through Dramatic Play; Eric Strickland, Ph.D.; November 2000
