Children develop coordination, balance, spatial awareness and strength through gross (large) motor skills by:
- Coordinating both hands to manipulate large objects
- Developing body flexibility and coordination
- Using indoor and outdoor equipment safely and appropriately
Indicators: Observable Behaviours
The Child
- Engages in complete movements such as climbing and walking up and down stairs.
- Demonstrates control and balance by: marching, hopping, running, jumping, pulling toys, pushing boxes, etc.
- Demonstrates coordinated movements such as throwing balls.
- Uses indoor and outdoor equipment such as the slide or swing.
The Adult
- Recognizes, acknowledges and supports children’s natural “need to move” and to be active throughout the day.
- Provides adequate time and space for children to explore, practice and increase their motor skills and development.
- Ensures variation and necessary adaptations in activities supporting children’s gross (large) motor development both indoors and out.
- Ensures and plans for daily and numerous “outdoor” activities and free play times.
Supportive Learning Environments Include
- Adequate and varied equipment, including adaptive equipment and space to encourage jumping, running and other gross (large) motor skills.
- Numerous and varied kinds of outdoor equipment (swings, slides, tunnels, etc.).
Early Childhood Foundations: Health Status and Practices
Children show healthy physical growth and growing independence by:
- Showing an interest in personal care
- Demonstrating an ability to keep self safe
- Identifying potentially dangerous or harmful substances
- Showing knowledge of healthy food groups (vegetables, fruits, etc.)
Indicators: Observable Behaviours
The Child
- Follows program safety rules.
- Recognizes common signs for poison, danger and warning.
- Demonstrates growing independence in hygiene and personal care such as hand washing (after toilet, before eating, after animal handling, etc.), teeth brushing, wiping nose.
- Demonstrates healthy eating behaviours (talks about and shows interest in foods that are healthy).
The Adult
- Models healthy eating habits.
- Provides instruction for and models basic health and safety rules.
- Encourages children to serve and feed themselves, and provides opportunities for children to prepare healthy snacks.
- Recognizes differences in cultural food preferences and eating habits.
- Knows if children in the class have any food allergies.
- Provides opportunities to practice necessary emergency drills in the home, educational and child care setting (fire, earthquake, etc.)
Supportive Learning Environments include
- Written procedures and signs for emergency.
- Written health and safety policies.
- Child-sized sinks and toilets, paper towels, readily available soap, etc.
- Nutrition education materials (play centre props, food, dishes, pans, etc.).