Unit 5: Preschool Physical Development
Unit 5: Preschool Physical Development
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
PHYSICAL GROWTH
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
◦ Physical development is marked by the acquisition of gross and fine motor skill.
◦ Proper nutrition and the right amount of sleep are very important.
◦ Caregivers and teachers can do a lot in maximizing the growth and development.
◦ Preschoolers with special needs in inclusive classrooms can thrive well with the
appropriate adaptations made in the classrooms; materials and activities.
◦ 5 or 6 months is the best time to begin learning skills that require balance
◦ Preschooler year are therefore a time to instill habits of good dental hygiene.
Gross motor skills are categorized into three: locomotor, non-locomotor, and
manipulative skills.
Physical skills from Philippine early learning and development standards (ELDS)
Fine Motor - Refers to acquiring the ability to use the smaller muscles in the arm,
hands, and fingers purposefully.
◦ Draw a human figure (head, eyes, mouth, trunks, arms, legs, etc.) without
prompts
◦ Draws a house without prompts using geometric forms.
Viktor Lowenfeld studied that at the heart of the preschooler years is that their interests
are to draw and make other forms of artistic expression.
◦ STAGES OF DRAWING
STAGES 1 – Scribbling Stage. This stage begins with large zigzag lines
which later become circular marking.
STAGE 2 – Schematic Stage. Children at this stage tend to give the same
names to their drawings.
During sleep, especially in the dreams state (Rapid Eye movement stage or REM sleep),
growth hormones are released.
Blood supply to the muscles are likewise increased helping preschoolers regain energy.