Physical development and health

Physical Development and Health focuses on how children grow and use their bodies, as well as how they learn to take care of themselves. It’s about using their bodies, building coordination, and learning healthy habits.

In this area, children are:

  • Developing gross-motor skills (running, jumping, climbing)
  • Building fine-motor skills (cutting, drawing, using small objects)
  • Learning about body awareness and how their bodies move in space
  • Practicing personal care routines (washing hands, dressing, eating)
  • Making healthy choices (nutrition, exercise, hygiene)

Name of Activity: Bead Stringing Creations

Originating Idea: The children have been showing interest in small manipulatives and enjoy activities like puzzles and building with small objects.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

C. Physical Development & Health – 17. Fine-motor skills: Children use small muscles in their hands and fingers.

Materials:

  • Large beads (various colors and shapes)
  • String or pipe cleaners
  • Small containers for sorting beads

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to make bead creations. You can use these beads and strings to create anything you would like. You can also sort your beads by color or shape before you start.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child struggles to string beads. I will model how to hold the string and carefully place a bead on it, offering hand-over-hand support if needed.

Middle:
A child is able to string beads. I will encourage patterns by asking, “Can you make a color pattern?” or “What comes next?”

Later:
A child creates complex designs. I will challenge them by suggesting, “Can you make a necklace with a repeating pattern?” or “Can you sort and use only certain shapes?”

End of Activity:

Today you used your hands and fingers to create bead designs. You worked hard to control your movements and make something special. Show a friend what you made.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Use smaller beads for increased challenge.
  • Create name bracelets using letter beads.

Assessment:

Children were able to use fine-motor skills to manipulate and string beads with control.

Name of Activity:

Simon Says: Body Movements

Originating Idea:

The children enjoy movement games and often participate in songs with actions during circle time.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

C. Physical Development & Health – 18. Body awareness: Children know about their bodies and how they move in space.

Materials:

  • Open space for movement
  • Music (optional)

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to play a game called Simon Says. We will use our bodies to move in different ways. Listen carefully and follow the directions when I say, “Simon says.”

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child struggles to follow directions or identify body parts. I will model movements and say, “Touch your head,” while demonstrating.

Middle:
A child follows basic directions. I will increase complexity by giving two-step directions like, “Simon says touch your toes and then jump.”

Later:
A child follows directions easily. I will challenge them with more complex movements like “Simon says hop on one foot and turn around,” or let them lead the game.

End of Activity:

Today, you used your body to move in different ways and followed directions. You showed how well you know your body and how it moves. Tell a friend your favorite movement.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Play movement games outdoors with obstacle courses.
  • Add music and turn it into a dance and freeze game.

Assessment:

Children were able to identify body parts and control their movements in response to directions.

Name of Activity:

Healthy Habits Sorting Game

Originating Idea:

The children have been learning daily routines like washing hands and snack time, and are beginning to understand the importance of staying healthy.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

C. Physical Development & Health – 20. Healthy behavior: Children practice healthy habits.

Materials:

  • Picture cards of healthy and unhealthy behaviors (washing hands, brushing teeth, eating fruits, not covering a cough, etc.)
  • Two sorting mats (Healthy / Not Healthy)

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to talk about ways to keep our bodies healthy. We have pictures of different activities, and we are going to decide if they are healthy or not.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child may not understand the difference. I will explain simply, “Washing hands keeps us clean and healthy,” and help them place the card.

Middle:
A child can sort basic examples. I will ask, “Why is this healthy?” to encourage thinking and explanation.

Later:
A child understands and explains choices. I will extend by asking, “What would happen if we didn’t do this?” or “Can you think of another healthy habit?”

End of Activity:

Today we learned about ways to keep our bodies healthy. You sorted pictures and talked about good habits. Tell a friend one healthy thing you do every day.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Practice real-life healthy routines (handwashing, snack prep).
  • Create a class “healthy habits” poster.

Assessment:

Children were able to identify and sort healthy and unhealthy behaviors.