PHYSICAL AND

MOTOR
DEVELOPMENT
Group 1
 What is PHYSICAL development?
- Physical development is one of the many
domains of infant and toddler development. It
relates to the growth and skill of development
in the body, including the brain, muscles, and
senses.
1. Prenatal Period:
Embryonic Stage (Weeks 3-8): The embryo develops
basic physical structures, including the neural tube,
heart, limbs, and facial features. The head is
disproportionately large compared to the rest of the
body.

Fetal Stage (Weeks 9-40): The fetus continues to grow

and develop, with facial features becoming more
distinct. By the end of the prenatal period, the fetus
resembles a miniature version of a newborn, with well-
defined facial features, limbs, and digits.
2. Infancy and Early Childhood (0-6 years):
Birth to 1 year: Newborns have disproportionately large
heads, short limbs, and a rounded, chubby appearance
due to accumulated fat. Over the first year, infants triple
their birth weight and grow about 7-10 inches in length.

Toddlerhood (1-3 years): Toddlers become more

proportionate as they lose baby fat and their bodies
elongate. Facial features become more defined, and
they develop a more distinct posture.
Preschool Years (3-6 years): Children continue to grow
at a steady pace, with a gradual reduction in body fat.
Limbs lengthen, and facial features become more
refined.

3. Middle and Late Childhood (6-12 years):

6 to 8 years: Children develop a more elongated and
leaner physique. They continue to grow at a steady
pace, with boys and girls exhibiting similar growth
patterns.
9 to 12 years: Gender differences become more
apparent, with girls often experiencing a growth spurt
earlier than boys. Boys may start to develop broader
shoulders and a more muscular frame.

4. Adolescence (12-18 years):

12 to 14 years: Adolescents undergo rapid physical
changes associated with puberty. Girls typically
experience growth spurts earlier than boys and may
develop curves as hips widen.
Boys experience growth spurts and may develop
broader shoulders and a more muscular frame.

15 to 18 years: Adolescents continue to grow in height

and weight, although growth rates slow down compared
to earlier years. Secondary sexual characteristics
become more pronounced, such as facial hair in boys
and breast development in girls.
5. Adulthood (18-65 years):
Young Adulthood (18-40 years): Individuals reach their
peak physical appearance and strength during this
period. They typically maintain their height and weight,
with slight changes due to lifestyle factors such as diet
and exercise.

Middle Adulthood (40-65 years): Some physical

changes may occur, such as a gradual decline in
muscle mass and skin elasticity. Gray hair and wrinkles
may become more prominent.
6. Late Adulthood (65+ years):
65 to 80 years: Individuals may experience further
physical changes, including decreased bone density,
muscle mass, and mobility. Skin becomes thinner and
more fragile, and there may be a loss of height due to
compression of spinal discs.

80+ years: Physical changes continue to occur, and

individuals may become more frail and vulnerable to
health issues. However, there is significant variability in
physical appearance and health among older adults.
 What is MOTOR development?
- Motor development is part of physical development, and refers to the
growth in the ability of children to use their bodies and physical skills.

- Gross motor skills pertain to skills involving large muscle movements,

such as independent sitting, crawling, walking, or running.

- Fine motor skills involve use of smaller muscles, such as grasping, object
manipulation, or drawing.
1. Prenatal Period:
Embryonic Stage (Weeks 3-8): Basic movements begin as
the embryo develops primitive reflexes, such as twitching and
kicking.

Fetal Stage (Weeks 9-40): Fetal movements become more

coordinated, with the fetus kicking, stretching, and grasping
objects in utero. These movements help strengthen muscles
and develop motor pathways in the brain.
2. Infancy and Early Childhood (0-6 years):
Birth to 1 year: Newborns display reflexive movements, including sucking,
grasping, and rooting. Over the first year, they develop voluntary
movements like reaching, rolling, and eventually crawling and walking.

Toddlerhood (1-3 years): Toddlers refine their gross motor skills, such as
walking, running, jumping, and climbing. Fine motor skills also improve,
allowing for activities like stacking blocks, scribbling, and feeding
themselves with utensils.
Preschool Years (3-6 years): Children further develop coordination,
balance, and control over their movements. They engage in more complex
activities like riding a tricycle, catching and throwing a ball, and drawing
shapes with more precision.

3. Middle Childhood (6-12 years):

6 to 8 years: Children continue to refine their motor skills through activities
like sports, dance, and playing musical instruments. They develop better
coordination and spatial awareness.
9 to 12 years: Gross and fine motor skills become more sophisticated,
allowing for activities like riding a bike, tying shoelaces, and participating in
organized sports with greater proficiency.

4. Adolescence (12-18 years):

12 to 14 years: Adolescents undergo significant physical changes
associated with puberty, which can temporarily affect motor skills. However,
they continue to refine their motor skills through sports, physical activities,
and hobbies.
15 to 18 years: Motor skills stabilize as adolescents reach physical maturity.
They may excel in specific activities based on their interests and talents,
such as athletics, dance, or art.

5. Adulthood (18-65 years):

Young Adulthood (18-40 years): Motor skills reach peak performance during
this period, with individuals typically maintaining agility, strength, and
coordination. They engage in various physical activities for recreation,
fitness, and professional pursuits.
Middle Adulthood (40-65 years): Motor skills may start to decline slightly
due to age-related changes in muscle mass, flexibility, and reaction time.
However, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices can help mitigate
these effects.

6. Late Adulthood (65+ years):

65 to 80 years: Older adults may experience further decline in motor skills,
including decreased balance, coordination, and mobility. However, staying
active, participating in physical therapy, and engaging in activities that
promote movement can help maintain motor function and independence.
80+ years: Motor skills may continue to decline with age,
leading to challenges in activities of daily living. However,
adaptations, assistive devices, and supportive environments
can help older adults maintain a good quality of life.
 NATURE OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

- Growth is defined as an irreversible constant increase in size, and

development is defined as growth in psychomotor capacity.

- Development is a process that creates growth, progress, positive

change or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and
demographic components.

- The nature of growth and development varies across different stages of

life, from infancy to late adulthood. Overall, growth and development are
lifelong processes characterized by physical, cognitive, social, and
emotional changes. Each stage of life presents unique challenges and
opportunities for learning, adaptation, and personal growth.
1. Infancy (0-2 years):
Nature of Growth: Infants experience rapid physical growth,
doubling their birth weight by around 5-6 months and tripling it by
their first birthday. Their brains undergo significant development,
laying the foundation for cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

Nature of Development: Development during infancy is characterized

by motor milestones such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking.
Language development begins with cooing, babbling, and eventually
forming words. Social and emotional development involves bonding
with caregivers, recognizing faces, and expressing basic emotions like
joy, sadness, and distress.
2. Early Childhood (2-6 years):
Nature of Growth: Children continue to grow at a steady pace,
although not as rapidly as during infancy. They become leaner as
baby fat decreases, and their bodies become more proportionate.
Brain development continues, particularly in areas related to
language, memory, and executive function.

Nature of Development: Cognitive development accelerates, with

significant gains in language, problem-solving, and symbolic play.
Socially, children begin to interact with peers, learn social norms, and
develop empathy. Emotional regulation improves, although tantrums
may still occur as children learn to manage their emotions.
3. Middle and Late Childhood (6-12 years):
Nature of Growth: Growth continues at a slower pace, with gradual
increases in height and weight. Children develop more muscle
mass and strength, and their bodies become more streamlined.
Brain development supports increasingly complex thinking and
reasoning abilities.

Nature of Development: Cognitive development progresses, with

improvements in attention, memory, and academic skills. Socially,
children form friendships, navigate peer groups, and develop a sense
of identity. Emotional regulation becomes more sophisticated, although
children may still struggle with mood swings and peer pressure.
4. Adolescence (12-18 years):
Nature of Growth: Adolescents undergo rapid physical changes
associated with puberty, including growth spurts, hormonal
fluctuations, and sexual maturation. Brain development continues,
particularly in areas related to decision-making, risk-taking, and
emotional regulation.

Nature of Development: Cognitive abilities continue to mature, with

improvements in abstract thinking, planning, and problem-solving.
Socially, adolescents navigate more complex relationships, explore
identity and values, and seek independence from parents. Emotional
regulation may be challenged by hormonal changes, peer pressure,
and stress.
5. Adulthood (18-65 years):
Nature of Growth: Physical growth is complete, but individuals may
experience changes in body composition, such as increases in fat
mass and decreases in muscle mass. Brain development
continues into early adulthood, with gradual declines in certain
cognitive abilities later in life.

Nature of Development: Adulthood is characterized by personal and

professional growth, as individuals establish careers, form long-term
relationships, and pursue personal goals. Cognitive abilities may peak
in early adulthood and gradually decline with age, although wisdom
and expertise may continue to develop. Socially, adults navigate family
life, friendships, and community involvement.
6. Late Adulthood (65+ years):
Nature of Growth: Physical changes associated with aging
become more apparent, including declines in muscle mass, bone
density, and sensory abilities. Brain changes may lead to cognitive
decline, although some individuals maintain cognitive function well
into old age.

Nature of Development: Late adulthood is a period of reflection and

adaptation, as individuals confront issues related to aging, retirement,
and health. Social networks may change, with a focus on maintaining
relationships and social support. Emotional well-being may vary,
influenced by factors such as health, loss, and life satisfaction.
 EXCEPTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

- Exceptional development in child development refers to the

extraordinary progress or abilities demonstrated by children in specific
areas of development that surpass typical expectations. This can
include exceptional intellectual abilities, exceptional artistic or athletic
talents, exceptional social skills, or exceptional emotional intelligence.
It is important to recognize and support children with exceptional
development to nurture their talents and provide them with appropriate
opportunities for growth and success
Giftedness: Children who demonstrate exceptional intellectual
abilities, such as high IQ scores or advanced cognitive skills, are
often referred to as gifted. They may have a remarkable capacity
for learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Talent: Children who exhibit exceptional abilities in specific areas such

as music, art, sports, or other domains are considered to have
exceptional talent. They may show advanced skills, creativity, or
natural aptitude in their chosen area of talent.
Twice-exceptional (2e): This refers to children who are both gifted
and have a learning or developmental disability. These children
may have exceptional abilities in certain areas but also face
challenges or disabilities that require support or accommodations.

Prodigy: Prodigies are children who demonstrate exceptional skills or

abilities at an early age, often beyond what is considered normal for
their age group. They may excel in areas such as music, mathematics,
or other specialized domains.
Savant Syndrome: Some children with exceptional
development may exhibit savant syndrome, which is
characterized by exceptional skills or knowledge in a
specific area, despite having significant cognitive or
developmental challenges in other areas.
 FACTORS AFFECTING DEVELOPMENT
- Development is influenced by a complex interplay of factors that can be broadly
categorized into biological, environmental, and socio-cultural influences.

1. Biological Factors:
- Genetics: Genetic factors play a significant role in shaping an
individual's physical and psychological characteristics. Genetic
inheritance influences traits such as height, hair color, susceptibility to
diseases, and cognitive abilities.
- Prenatal Environment: The prenatal environment, including maternal
health, nutrition, exposure to toxins, and prenatal care, can impact fetal
development and influence outcomes such as birth weight, gestational
age, and neurological development.
2. Environmental Factors:
- Nutrition: Adequate nutrition is essential for healthy growth and
development. Malnutrition, both undernutrition and overnutrition, can
have adverse effects on physical growth, cognitive development, and
overall health.

- Stimulation and Enrichment: Environmental stimulation and

enrichment, including access to educational materials, supportive
caregivers, and stimulating activities, promote cognitive, language, and
socio-emotional development.
- Toxic Stress and Adversity: Exposure to adverse childhood
experiences, such as poverty, violence, abuse, neglect, or parental
substance abuse, can lead to toxic stress and have long-term effects
on physical and psychological development.

- Physical Environment: Access to safe and supportive physical

environments, including housing, neighborhoods, schools, and
recreational spaces, influences development and well-being.
Environmental factors such as pollution, overcrowding, and access to
healthcare can also impact health outcomes.
3. Socio-Cultural Factors:
- Family Dynamics: Family structure, dynamics, and relationships
play a crucial role in shaping development. Supportive and nurturing
family environments promote positive outcomes, while conflict,
instability, or dysfunction can hinder development.

- Peer Relationships: Peer interactions and relationships contribute to

socio-emotional development, social skills, and identity formation.
Positive peer relationships provide opportunities for socialization,
support, and belonging.
 - Cultural Beliefs and Practices: Cultural values, beliefs, norms, and
practices influence parenting styles, educational approaches, and
socialization practices, shaping individuals' identities, attitudes, and
behaviors.

- Socio-Economic Status (SES): Socio-economic status, including

income, education, and occupation, is associated with disparities in
access to resources, opportunities, and social support. SES impacts
health, education, and socio-emotional outcomes across the lifespan.
4. Individual Factors:
- Temperament and Personality: Individual differences in
temperament, personality traits, and resilience influence how
individuals respond to environmental influences and navigate
developmental challenges.

- Health Status: Physical and mental health status, including chronic

illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions, can impact
development and functioning.
5. Interactions and Transactions:
- Development is not solely determined by individual factors or
environmental influences but emerges from dynamic interactions and
transactions between the individual and their environment. These
interactions shape developmental outcomes and trajectories over time.
 Early Sensory Stimulation

- Early sensory stimulation refers to activities and experiences

designed to engage a baby's senses, such as sight, hearing, touch,
taste, and smell. These activities can include providing colorful toys to
look at, playing soothing music, introducing different textures for tactile
exploration, offering safe objects to mouth, and exposing babies to
various scents in their environment. Such stimulation can help promote
the development of sensory pathways in the brain, leading to
enhanced physical and motor development.
1. Tummy Time
Placing infants on their stomachs while awake and supervised helps
them develop neck, back, and shoulder muscles necessary for
crawling and eventually walking.

2. Exploration with Different Textures

Providing toys or materials with various textures such as soft fabrics,
rough surfaces, smooth objects, etc., encourages sensory exploration
and stimulates the development of fine motor skills.
3. Music and Sound Play
Introducing infants to different sounds, music, and rhythms can
enhance their auditory processing skills and coordination. Activities like
shaking rattles, playing musical instruments, or singing songs engage
both auditory and motor systems.

4. Visual Stimulation
Using contrasting colors, mobiles, and toys with different shapes and
patterns can stimulate visual development and hand-eye coordination.
For example, hanging a black and white mobile above a crib can
capture an infant's attention and encourage visual tracking.
5. Outdoor Play
Allowing infants and toddlers to explore outdoor environments exposes
them to a variety of sensory experiences such as feeling different
textures underfoot, hearing natural sounds like birds chirping, and
seeing the changing colors of the sky and landscape. These
experiences support overall sensory development and motor skills.

6. Messy Play
Activities like finger painting, playing with water, sand, or playdough
offer opportunities for sensory exploration and fine motor skill
development. Children use their hands and fingers to manipulate
materials, strengthening muscles and improving coordination.
7. Sensory Toys and Equipment
Providing toys like textured balls, squeeze toys, or activity gyms with
hanging objects encourages reaching, grasping, and exploring different
sensations, promoting both sensory and motor development.

8 Gustatory Stimulation:
Gustatory stimulation involves introducing infants to different tastes and
flavors through breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, as well as introducing
age-appropriate solid foods during weaning. This helps infants develop
preferences for a variety of foods and textures and promotes healthy
eating habits.
9. Olfactory Stimulation:
Olfactory stimulation involves exposing infants to various smells and
scents to stimulate their sense of smell and promote sensory
exploration. This can include natural scents from flowers, fruits, and
herbs, as well as scented toys or objects.

10. Multisensory Stimulation:

Multisensory stimulation involves combining different sensory
experiences to create rich and meaningful learning opportunities for
infants. For example, caregivers can engage infants in multisensory
activities such as playing with textured toys while listening to music or
exploring colorful objects during tummy time.
 Thanks!
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