The physical development of a child is an important aspect of their early years. Children learn to move with confidence, control and strength and develop their coordination and control as they grow. Running, jumping, climbing, drawing, building and even picking up small objects all aid a child’s physical development.
We recognise that physical development is closely linked with children’s confidence, independence and wellbeing at Orange Tree Children’s Nursery in Muscat. Children are provided opportunities to develop their physical skills through active play, movement and hands-on activities in a safe and fun environment.
What Is Physical Development?
Physical development is the way that children grow and develop their movement skills. It contains gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
Gross motor skills are large movements, including:
- Running
- Jumping
- Climbing
- Balancing
- Throwing and catching
Fine motor skills can be defined as smaller movements that need control and co-ordination, including:
- Drawing and colouring
- Using scissors
- Building with blocks
- Turning pages in a book
- Using everyday tools and objects
The two areas are significant in supporting children’s confidence and independence.
Why Physical Activity Matters
It is natural for young children to be very active and require opportunities to move throughout the day. Active play builds muscles, enhances coordination and balance.
Frequent exercise can also help with:
- Healthy growth and development
- Body awareness
- Coordination and balance
- Confidence and independence
- Positive daily habits
At Orange Tree Children’s Nursery children are supported to be active through age appropriate movement and play opportunities.
Developing Gross Motor Skills Through Active Play
Gross motor development gives children the confidence to move their bodies around and to engage in day-to-day activities.
These skills are practised in running games, jumping, balancing skills, climbing and dancing as well as exploring the outdoors.
Children have opportunities to be active and explore outdoors when the weather allows. Our indoor play spaces offer more opportunities for children to be active and engaged during the hotter months of the year when it is hosted by our team of educators, Muscat.
We have a large Gymnasium to allow children to move and a Soft Play Area for them to move and develop their co-ordination skills in a safe environment.
Building Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are necessary for many tasks throughout the day and for future classroom tasks. These skills are developed during activities that involve precise hand and finger movements.
Children’s hand-eye coordination and control is developed through activities at nursery, including drawing, painting, threading, puzzles, construction play and creative crafts.
These skills gradually build up to children being able to undertake tasks like writing, using resources in the classroom, putting on their clothes, handling everyday activities independently and so on.
Movement and Confidence
Physical development is not just about strength and co-ordination.
Children feel good when they complete a physical challenge, learn a new move or do something they have never done before.
Children are encouraged to:
- Try new activities
- Take appropriate challenges
- Develop perseverance
- Become more independent
- Feel confident in their abilities
Learning Through Movement
Learning can also be greatly facilitated through movement. Through movement and play, children can experience ideas of direction, space, rhythm, counting and patterns.
Children can engage in music and movement activities, action songs, games and imaginative play which can combine physical activity with communication, creativity and cognitive development.
This enhances the learning experience to be more active, engaging and fun.
Physical Development and Social Skills
Many physical activities are conducted in the presence of other children, providing opportunities to develop important social skills.
Group games and movement activities encourage children to practise:
- Taking turns
- Following simple instructions
- Sharing equipment
- Cooperating with others
- Celebrating each other’s achievements
Children have positive relationships through these experiences and remain active.
Supporting Physical Development at Orange Tree Children’s Nursery
Physical development is a key aspect of our approach to early childhood education in a holistic way at Orange Tree Children’s Nursery, Muscat.
Our teachers give children opportunities to move, explore, create and develop their physical abilities. Activities are planned and are engaging and suitable for the various stages of children’s development.
The children can keep developing key physical skills all year round through outdoor play (weather permitting) and indoor activities in our Gymnasium and Soft Play Area.
Final Thoughts
Physical development helps children to be confident and to develop the skills to explore their surroundings and be more independent.
Here at Orange Tree Children’s Nursery we know that active, happy children are ready to explore and learn. We support all children to build healthy habits, confidence, coordination and skills they will need in the next phase of their learning journey through meaningful movement, play and hands-on experiences.
Contact Orange Tree Children’s Nursery
If you would like to learn more about our early learning programmes or arrange a visit, we’d love to hear from you.
Phone: +968 9820 2207
Email: info@orangetreenursery.com
Location: 1079, Way 3013, Muscat, Oman
We look forward to welcoming your family and supporting your child’s early learning journey.
