Physical Development
Toddlers love being active.
Physical development is how your toddler grows muscles and develops coordination and balance. Below, we will cover a toddler's gross and fine motor skills and how you can help them develop them.
Gross motor skills
Your toddlers gross motor skills are an important aspect of their physical development and involve large physical movements that they will develop over time, these include rolling over, jumping, twisting and running.
It is advised that your toddler is encouraged and supported to practice these skills regularly and have the space and equipment needed to grow.
Visiting a park and your local family hub are both the ideal places for your toddler to run around, kick a ball and jump up and down. Free, fun activities that support their gross motor developmental skills.
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are your toddler’s ability to make movements using the small muscles in their hands and wrists. These skills involve the coordination of their hands, fingers, and eyes. Supporting and encouraging these skills is an important part of your toddler’s development as we use fine motor skills in a variety of ways every day.
At this stage your toddler will learn through play, including:
- Making towers with building blocks.
- Doodling with coloured pens, pencils, and crayons.
- Placing beads and buttons on string and ribbon (always ensure your toddler is fully supervised when playing with small beads to prevent choking).
- playing with modelling dough, especially rolling into small balls or sausage shapes.
- Turning the pages of picture books.
Being Active
Active toddlers are happy toddlers!
Did you know toddlers walking alone should be active for at least 3 hours daily?
Is it just as important for toddlers as adults? It helps them build strong muscles and bones, maintain a healthy weight, and boost their confidence. Plus, it's a great way to have fun together!
How to get your toddler moving:
- Join in the fun!
- Toddlers love to copy their parents, so get down on the floor and play with them.
- Make it a game.
- Take a walk or go to the park.
- Visit your local family hub. This is a great way to meet other parents and toddlers.
By encouraging your toddler to be active, you are helping them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
For more information on our fun and free sessions, Click here.