Module 2 Physical Development
Module 2 Physical Development
Physical Development
This module discusses the important concepts pertaining to physical development. The
first lesson tackles the brain, its structure, function, and development. The second lesson
focuses on the influence of genetic outcomes in prenatal development. Followed by lesson
three on motor development, and lesson four on physical development across the
different life stages. Lastly, we discuss the different pedagogical implications in the context
of this domain.
What is Physical Development?
Physical development includes both growth and the ability to
use muscles and body parts for particular skills.
Both gross (large muscle movements) and fine (small
movements) motor skills contribute to physical development,
and children often learn a set of skills by a certain age.
Motor progresses predictably, from simple to complex,
in a head-to-toe direction.
Children gain control of their bodies in a predictable
sequence as well, from the center of their bodies and
outward to their fingers and toes. Children need many
opportunities to practice their gross-motor skills, e.g.,
pulling, climbing, running, kicking, throwing, and
jumping, and their fine-motor skills, e.g., cutting,
drawing, and writing.
Physical development affects other areas of
development.
Brain development is supported by early positive
movement experiences. Other research indicates
physical development is linked to children’s emotional
development and their school performance.
Why do Zombies
love brains?
To a zombie, what do you think makes brains so tasty?
Perhaps this is because the brain is responsible for coordinating the
activities of the entire body, storing and interpreting memories, and
interpreting information from the senses.
Activity 1
Let us brainstorm some facts we know
about the human brain!
The human brain is more
complex than any other known
structure in the universe.
Weighing in at three pounds,
on average, this spongy mass of
fat and protein is made up of
two overarching types of
cells—called glia and
neurons—and it contains many
billions of each.
Neurons are notable for their
branch-like projections called
axons and dendrites, which
gather and transmit
electrochemical signals.
Different types of glial cells
provide physical protection to
neurons and help keep them,
and the brain, healthy.
Together, this complex
network of cells gives
rise to every aspect of
our shared humanity.
We could not breathe,
play, love, or remember
without the brain.
Activity 2
This exercise is to illustrate the complexity of the connections
of the brain. Draw 10 dots on one side of a piece of paper
and 10 dots on the other side of the paper. Assume these
dots represent neurons and assume that each neuron makes
connections with the 10 dots on the other side of the paper.
Then connect each dot on one side with the 10 dots on the
other side.
The brain is divided into 3 main areas: