Chapter Overview

Motor skills have a significant influence on the development of social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Therefore, teachers must emphasize motor development during the early years. It is becoming increasingly important for teachers of young children to promote physical fitness for overall health and well-being, including being a role model for healthful eating and physical activity. Overall physical growth patterns, gross motor development, fine motor skills, and phases of motor development and perceptual-motor development are all important parts of physical development that early educators must know about. An understanding of basic considerations, the importance of play in physical development, and the role of organized physical activities will help teachers be successful with this important part of the curriculum.