13.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Children’s Physical Development
13.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Children’s Physical Development
The following recommendations apply to establishing the preschool environment as related to the three Physical Development strands: Fundamental Movement Skills, Perceptual–Motor Skills and Movement Concepts, and Active Physical Play
- Teachers promote optimal physical development when they provide children with positive encouragement and quality instruction (both indirect and direct). Teachers “set the stage” and “create the climate” for movement skill learning.
- The immediate physical environment is a powerful influence on children’s physical development. The physical environment, play materials, and play themes can all be skillfully designed to promote active play. Both indoor and outdoor play environments should encourage fun and enjoyable learning.
- Indoor and outdoor play environments should include a variety of appropriately sized equipment that promotes both gross and fine motor development.
- Learning is most meaningful when the environment and materials reflect and accommodate children’s individual interests, backgrounds, and present abilities. Embrace the richness of diversity by learning about children’s culture, language, customs, music, physical activities, and focus on the unique gifts that each child brings to the learning environment.
- Take time to build safety into both the indoor and outdoor play environments.
- A safe environment reduces the need for adults to say no. It is important to establish clear expectations. Limits should be set rather than rules (rules eliminate reasonable risk) in order to ensure personal safety. Be particularly cognizant when working with children who have disabilities that impact their impulse control and judgment. Also, differences in cultural expectations for girls and those for boys, as well as language differences, may impact the critical need for building safety into children’s regular play environments.
- Playground equipment, such as climbing, hanging, and sliding structures, should be checked regularly for safety hazards.
- Movement experiences should include exploration, discovery, and appreciation of the natural environment. Nature provides rich, diverse sensory experiences—sounds, smells, textures, and sights—that are beneficial for young children’s sensorimotor development.
- Thoughtfully designed movement experiences, guided by adults, support children’s physical development. Most children need more than just free play to acquire movement skills.
- Children benefit from teacher-guided, structured physical activities, particularly when they are learning new movement skills. Structured but flexible play activities that emphasize active participation, exploration, and self-discovery are ideal for practicing new, challenging physical skills.[1]
Additional strategies that will help children’s physical development:
- Provide opportunities that include diverse cultural themes.
- Challenge children’s abilities by askin