During the first few years the human body changes rapidly and dramatically. Children’s physical well-being, health, and motor development are cornerstones of early development and learning. These are all key dimensions of school readiness.
Physical and motor development occurs along a relatively predictable sequence from simple to more complex. Children may learn new skills at different ages but typically children all learn the skills in the same order. In other words most children crawl, then walk, then run. Crawling is actually a really important skill that builds a variety of brain and body muscles.
Healthy Success for Your Child
VBparents.com visited Andy Ballard, regional director of youth services and creator of the Sports Stars Academy at the new Virginia Beach Field House. He uses four basic principles to help parents grow their 18-month to 6-year-old children physically, mentally and socially. Learn more...
Gross Motor Development
Gross motor involves movements of the entire body or large portions of the body. These skills include rolling over, walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping and climbing. Do you want to help your child build these skills? Learn more...
Fine Motor Development
Fine motor skills involve movements using the smaller muscles in fingers, hands, and arms. They include grasping items, cutting with scissors, fastening buttons and zipping zippers. Are you interested in fun activities that help your child practice and improve these skills?
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Fine Arts and Music
The arts (dance, music, theatre) are important for nurturing children’s imagination and creative spirit. Young children need time to play, use their imaginations and create on their own with minimal direction from adults. Learn more...
Health and Well-Being
Physical health and well being includes good hygiene, basic personal care, daily living routines such as sleep habits, eating routines and wearing appropriate clothing. Learn more...