Chapter 1: Typical Physical Development
By Amy Landers, Ph.D.
Consider Lily, a bubbly and lively first-grader. Every day, she is filled with energy and enthusiasm, both in the classroom and on the playground. She eagerly participates in class discussions, writes her ABCs with diligence, and has a profound love for hopscotch, often being the last one to leave the schoolyard. However, recently, Lily’s teacher, Mrs. Martin, noticed that Lily seemed less active and often tired. Her handwriting, once neat and tidy, has become a bit shaky, and she often stumbles while playing hopscotch. Sensing that Lily might be facing some physical developmental challenges, Mrs. Martin decided to discuss her observations with Lily’s parents and suggested that they might want to consult with a health professional.
Just like Mrs. Martin, as a teacher, it is crucial to understand your students’ physical development as they grow and change. Physical development refers to the growth and strengthening of the body over time, including the development and refinement of motor skills and the changes that occur in children’s bodies (Spielman, Jenkins, & Lovett, 2020). In our classrooms, physical development goes beyond merely running faster or jumping higher; it also relates to students’ ability to concentrate, their stamina, their handwriting, and even their capacity to interact with the world around them (Zeng, N., Ayyub, M., Sun, Wen, Xiang, & Gao, 2017). Teachers need to understand the critical link between physical development and learning outcomes. For example, an improvement in fine motor skills can lead to neater handwriting, potentially boosting a student’s self-esteem and encouraging more active participation in writing-based activities (Lodal, & Bond, 2016).
Physical development varies significantly among children, influenced by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors (“Factors that influence growth and development”, 2023). Nevertheless, having a broad understanding of what your students should be capable of achieving physically can help you ensure that they are able to meet their educational goals. For example, a five-year-old might struggle with holding a pencil correctly and writing neatly, while an eight-year-old might be mastering such skills (Józsa, Oo, Borbélyová, & Zentai, 2023). Being aware of these expected differences can help you customize learning activities, ensuring that they are engaging and developmentally appropriate.
As teachers, understanding typical physical development also aids in identifying potential developmental issues. Just like Mrs. Martin noticed changes in Lily’s behavior and performance, being observant and understanding typical physical development can help you recognize when a child might be facing challenges. Early recognition can facilitate prompt intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for the child. As noted above though, there can be many reasons for why a child may be physically advanced or delayed, some of which are unrelated to developmental concerns. As a teacher, you should strive to be as objective as possible and avoid making inferences based on biases or stereotypes related to a child’s socioeconomic status, race, religion, ethnicity, or gender.
In the sections that follow, we will delve into the specifics of what different elements of physical development look like at each grade level and how they can be influenced by a range of factors. We will also provide you with practical examples and strategies for promoting healthy physical development in your students. Understanding physical development is crucial to your role as an educator. This chapter aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills you will need to support your students’ physical growth effectively.