Why is it important to know the stages and sequences of physical development?
It is important to be able to recognise the different stages and sequences of physical development ( as with all areas of development) as all children develop and learn at different rates but all follow the same sequences. Growth is an increase in size (height, weight, etc) and development is an increase in skills (abilities such as climbing, etc). Development is a continuous process (i.e. one skill lays the basis for the mastery of future skills) & development is also sequential (i.e. one skill can not develop until the previous skill is mastered). Physical development is the process by which children gain control of their muscles. Physical development is also grouped into 3 categories: – fine motor (manipulative skills using the fingers & wrists) – gross motor (using whole limbs) – balance (hand/eye and foot/eye co-ordination & balance). Many play activities combine fine and gross manipulation and provide valuable practise in both of these. Activities which provide for the developmen
