Children learn mostly through play and benefit from daily opportunities to explore, stretch, climb, jump and run. Not only does play promote healthy physical development, but it also helps children learn problem-solving and social skills. Healthy physical development depends on several factors, including the childhood environment, positive interactions and the freedom to move and play.
Environment
Indoor and outdoor environments play a major role in healthy physical development. Children need open spaces in which to move and explore, as well as safe structures for climbing and practicing balance. Babies need time on the floor to practice rolling over, stretching, crawling and sitting. Provide sturdy furniture for babies and toddlers to practice pulling up and walking. Rattles and other grasping toys are important for babies to strengthen fine motor muscles in the hands, fingers and wrists.
Older children need open spaces to run outdoors, as well as access to slides, swings and climbing structures, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Activities that engage the larger muscles in the arms, legs, back and shoulders are important for physical development. Chalk games such as hopscotch helps children learn balance and coordination. Children need access to age-appropriate manipulatives such as puzzles, sorting toys, blocks and lacing toys to help develop hand/eye coordination and fine motor muscle control.
Positive Interactions
Young children depend on caregivers to provide not only a safe environment, but an inviting and interactive atmosphere. Babies depend on parents and caregivers to help them use their muscles in appropriate and gentle ways. To promote healthy development, play games involving movement such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. Help babies strengthen and stretch leg muscles by allowing them to put weight on their legs while playing in your lap. Give babies tummy time to strengthen neck, back, arm and leg muscles. The National Network for Child Care recommends placing toys just out of reach to invite movement and changing toys out to avoid boredom.
Older children also need interaction for healthy physical development. Play catch, participate in play groups, try racing games, enjoy modeling clay, build sand castles and enjoy block play with your child. Cooking together helps children learn fine motor skills as well.
Free Play
Structured activities are part of healthy physical development, but free play is crucial for children to grow stronger, learn motor control and engage with their environment. Productive free play depends on access to age-appropriate toys and activities. Make sure the environment includes a variety of challenging toys and games, then let your child take the lead in choosing activities as often as possible. This gives him opportunities to explore creatively and make choices, which leads to healthy development overall. For healthy physical development, children need at least an hour of free play in each half-day. During play, children use gross and fine motor muscles, learn to solve problems, play creatively and practice physical skills.
