DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET Unit 1 Physical and Motor Development Physical development describes children’s growth, while motor development refers to their ability to move their bodies in a coordinated manner. Motor development includes small- and large-muscle (or fine- and gross-motor) skills, which are described below. Good physical development begins with good eating habits. Healthy neurological development in infants, as well as healthy growth and development in older children, starts with proper nutrition. In addition to good nutrition, physical activities that pro- mote large-muscle development for all age groups are necessary and important parts of any family child care’s daily schedule. Running and jumping, throwing and catch- ing, walking and skipping are all necessary components. It is important to remember gross-motor skill development is necessary for infants as well as older children in your program. Exercises and games that provide for large-muscle development in infants will assist in their ability to roll over, crawl, and eventually take their first steps. Developing small muscles, as well as fine-motor skills, is an equally important goal. Coloring, cutting, and turning the pages of a book are all examples of daily activi- ties that promote healthy motor development. Motor development is as necessary as all the other curriculum objectives and should never be overlooked. Planning a suc- cessful daily schedule of activities must include the opportunity for active and robust play. Appropriate scheduling and good utilization of available space, both in and out of doors, is necessary in accomplishing this important objective. 1111 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL