Physical Development

Young children learn through movement, so it is critical for them to have daily physical activity. Lake Dow Learning Academy provides children with opportunities for free movement, engages children in both planned and free indoor and outdoor motor play, and challenges children with appropriate fine and gross motor tasks. We support children's learning and healthy physical development.

From moving game pieces to running around in the yard, climbing and balancing in the playground, and even jumping on the bed, children demonstrate to parents the range of motor skills they are learning and how well they are using these skills to interact with the world around them.

Adults play an important role in all the developmental domains and physical development is equally important. Bonding with children develops a sense of feeling safe to explore and positive feedback encourages a child to reach out more and push harder.

Caretakers also provide guidance and support through a process known as “scaffolding”. Providing objects to encourage a baby to reach and grasp, holding the hands of a toddler while they take a few steps, teaching potty training, help a child with buttoning and zipping clothing, helping them learn to ride a bike and playing catch are just a few examples of how we provide scaffolding to help children develop physical abilities.

Between the ages of 3 and 5, children are still growing quickly, and are continuing to practice their large and small motor skills. Lake Dow Learning Academy supports preschoolers’ physical and motor development by ensuring that children eat well-balanced meals and snacks, by building in plenty of time for active play and by planning a wide variety of activities to encourage motor development.