Physical development includes both growth and the ability to use muscles and body parts for particular skills. Both gross (large muscle movements) and fine (small movements) motor skills contribute to physical development.
 

Gross Motor Skills

• Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others
• Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing
• Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing

Fine Motor Skills

• Hold a pencil effectively in preparation for fluent writing
• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint brushes and cutlery
• Begin to show accuracy and care when drawing

Painting on vertical surfaces helps to strengthen shoulders and elbows and develop core strength.

Spending time outdoors daily helps keep the children fit and healthy physically. Encouraging children to run, jump, climb and chase develops good physical fitness, as well as helping aid in critical development such as stability, bone density, and muscle development.

At St Bede’s we believe that a balanced diet is key to healthy eating habits because it provides children with the nutrients they need to grow. We work in partnership with all of our families to help establish these healthy eating patterns. 

The children explored making marks in cornflour and water.