Importance Of Developmental Milestones

Developmental Milestones Why is movement important in development? According to Rivkin (2006) “Movement is a basic need of children and supports cooperation in the classroom.” Movement is important for all ages because it promotes healthy lifestyles and cognitive learning. “Exercise or physical activity is especially important because it helps control weight, reduces blood pressure, raises HDL (or "good") cholesterol, reduces the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer and improves psychological well-being of a child, according to the American Heart Association” (Castillo, 2012). Outdoor play is movement children need, but also moving in the classroom is important. Gross motor and fine motor development are skills children learn at an early

In this age spectrum, children are using movement to satisfy their basic needs such as maneuvering around and touching items in their environment. These motor skills help children of this age learn how to walk and use their hands. For this group, resources such as Little Tikes toys that help toddlers during the beginning, walking stage and manipulatives, like blocks, will allow children to build these skills. Children at six months are learning to use their hands and body to occupy their personal needs, such as eating. “Children use their whole hand to grasp objects, or food” (Significant Child Development Milestones, 2013). Children at twelve months are beginning to use their index fingers and thumbs to grasp objects while also continuing to use the body strength to pull up. These milestones prepare children for the next milestone, like walking and eating without an adult’s

Gross motor skills are becoming more established. For example, at age three and four, “children are walking smoothly and able to balance on one foot for eight seconds or more” (Significant Child Development Milestones, 2013). Activities and resources to help with this development would be for parents or teacher allowing children to pick toys after they are through playing. Also, “walking along a line on the ground or running around a tree will promote balance, concentration, and vigorous exercise” (Child Development: Age 2 to 4, 2015). At ages five to six, children are becoming more independent and moving with better awareness. At this age children are able to hop on one foot instead of balance; they are able to throw objects instead of maneuvering it in their hands/fingers. Each milestone builds and gains more with each age. With an adult encouraging these steps, children will be able to satisfy their basic needs with