Good Start, Grow Smart Early Learning Standards - SC Department ...

Introduction to Physical Development and Health
Young children use their senses and bodies to explore and master their physical environment. Their self-esteem is closely related to
what they can do physically, and they often describe their competence according to their physical accomplishments. Young children
need to spend much time each day, both indoors and outdoors, engaged in physical activity, using well chosen materials, in order to
develop the skills of body coordination, control, and balance. While mastering these large muscle skills, they are also learning to use
the finer muscles of arms, hands, and fingers to build hand-eye coordination, strength, control and object manipulation. Learning
acquired through the body builds a strong base for time and space concepts, problem-solving, and literacy and mathematical skills.
Also important for this age child are the development of self-care skills, formation of good health habits, and the knowledge and use
of age-appropriate safety practices.
Most young children are by nature physically active and enjoy moving to explore their environments. Unfortunately, recent societal
changes -- motorized transportation, higher junk food consumption, increased television and computer usage, and less freedom
for independent, outside play -- have led to decreased physical activity and a corresponding rise in the number of children who are
overweight and/or obese. Childhood inactivity and lack of fitness should be a major concern for several reasons, including its ten-
dency to lead to adult obesity and its involvement as a major risk factor for a number of diseases. Physical activity, however, is much
more than a strategy to avoid obesity. Regular physical activity helps young children build strong bodies, establish life-long habits of
wellness and may, through its positive effect on mental health, increase student’s capacity for learning.
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