Key Takeaways
- Gross motor uses large muscles (running, jumping); fine motor uses small muscles (writing, cutting)
- Development follows predictable patterns but individual timing varies
- Provide activities for both gross and fine motor development
- Physical environment should be safe and age-appropriate
- Rest and nutrition are essential for physical development
Last updated: January 2026
Physical Development
Functional Area 4 focuses on providing developmentally appropriate equipment, activities, and opportunities to promote children's physical development.
Two Types of Motor Development
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Motor | Large muscle movements | Running, jumping, climbing, throwing |
| Fine Motor | Small muscle movements | Writing, cutting, buttoning, beading |
Gross Motor Development by Age
Infants (0-12 months):
- Lifting head and chest
- Rolling over
- Sitting with and without support
- Crawling
- Pulling to stand
- First steps (around 12 months)
Toddlers (12-36 months):
- Walking and running
- Climbing stairs (with help, then alone)
- Kicking and throwing balls
- Jumping in place
- Riding push toys
Preschoolers (3-5 years):
- Running and stopping smoothly
- Hopping on one foot
- Skipping (by age 5)
- Catching bounced balls
- Pedaling tricycles/bikes
- Balancing on one foot
Fine Motor Development by Age
Infants:
- Grasping objects (reflexive to purposeful)
- Transferring objects hand to hand
- Picking up small objects (pincer grasp around 9 months)
Toddlers:
- Scribbling with crayons
- Stacking blocks
- Turning pages of books
- Beginning to use spoons
Preschoolers:
- Cutting with scissors
- Drawing recognizable shapes
- Writing some letters
- Buttoning and zipping
- Using utensils effectively
Supporting Physical Development
Gross Motor Activities:
- Obstacle courses
- Dancing and movement games
- Ball play (rolling, throwing, kicking)
- Outdoor climbing equipment
- Parachute games
- Riding toys
Fine Motor Activities:
- Playdough and clay
- Beading and lacing
- Puzzles
- Drawing and painting
- Cutting and pasting
- Building with small blocks
- Sand and water play with tools
Physical Environment Considerations
| Element | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Space | Adequate room for movement |
| Equipment | Age-appropriate, well-maintained |
| Safety | Soft surfaces under climbing equipment |
| Variety | Range of difficulty levels |
| Accessibility | Accommodations for all abilities |
Rest and Nutrition
Physical development requires:
- Adequate rest/nap time
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Water available throughout the day
- Balance of active and quiet activities
Test Your Knowledge
Which activity BEST supports fine motor development in preschoolers?
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D
Test Your Knowledge
At what age do most children develop the pincer grasp?
A
B
C
D