Infant Physical and Motor Development By Jessica Rodriguez

Agenda  Questions/Announcements  Discuss the Unit 3 Project  Preview and discuss the Unit 3 content

Unit 3 Project Requirements and Brainstorm

Unit 3 Project…  Analysis of a Learning Environment  Choose one of the following choices: Write a 1- to 2-page paper analyzing what constitutes an ideal learning environment, including the role that both nurture and nature play. Create a 5- to 7-slide PowerPoint analyzing what constitutes an ideal learning environment, including the role that both nurture and nature play.

Unit 3 Project…  Option 1 and 2 Include specific ideas about how Early Childhood Care Professionals can create an environment that protects, encourages, enables, and enriches young children. Include support for your thoughts from our text OR other resources, through the use of citations/quotes.

Unit 3 Project…  Option 1 and 2 Include a title page/slide and reference page/slide. Include an opening paragraph/slide and a closing paragraph/slide.

Creating a Learning Environment Examples of Ideas to Address…

Cognitive Growth _ Stimulation  Play  Age and interest appropriate materials, activities, experiences  Outings; library, museums, theatre, zoo, etc…  Hobbies  Games  Pets  Socialization  What can you think of ???????

Language Development  Listening Skills  Speaking Skills  Reading Skills  Writing Skills What does an ideal facility do to help children develop their language skills?

Motor Development  Large / Gross Motor Skills  Small / Fine Motor Skills What materials, activities should centers have to support motor development?

SECURITY/ SAFETY Physical & Psychosocial Development  Love ▪ Encouragement  Respect ▪ Own Space  Trust ▪ Sleep  Safe Space ▪ Nutrition  Coping Skills ▪ Medical Needs  Communication ▪ Special Needs  Appreciation ▪ Sensory Development What else should an ideal program consider?

CONSISTENCY  Caring  Rules & Regulations  Schedules  Discipline  Homework Time  Bed Time  Meal Time  What can you think of ????????

MODELING / TEACHING  Academic Facts, Skills  Creativity  Responsibilities  Organization  Priorities  Behavior  Self Worth, Values  What can you think of ???????

Unit 3 Topics Infant Physical and Motor Development

Infant Development Milestones  Click on the link below to review some of the physical development milestones for infants: e/firstyeardevelopment.html Come back in 3-4 minutes.

Question: What are some physical development milestones for infants from birth to age 1?

Physical and Motor Development Milestones  Birth to Age 1 Follows a moving object with eyes Rolls over Sits with support Crawls Stands Holds bottle and uses fingers to feed self Walks with support (or may walk alone) Uses thumb and forefinger to grasp objects

Select one video from below. Come back after the video and share what you learned about the stage of development. 1 month: 3 month: 4 months: 5 months: 6 months: 9 months: 12 months:

Question: What are some ways to facilitate physical and motor development in infants?

Toys  Click on the link below to review toy safety for infants: ng/safe_toys.html# Come back in 3-4 minutes.

Question: How can we ensure that toys and games are safe and promote physical/motor development?

Promote Physical Development through Toys and Games  Provide age appropriate toys  Check toys daily for safety  Sanitize toys regularly  Provide toys that stimulate senses (hearing, seeing, touch)  Avoid over-stimulation

Question: How can you promote physical and motor development in infants through exploration?

Promote Physical Development through Exploration  Provide play environments that promote large motor development (scooting, crawling, rolling, wiggling)  Encourage exercise and play  Make sure the environment is safe, clean, and secure

Question: How does the caregiver’s knowledge affect physical development in infants?

Promote Physical Development through Your Knowledge  Be knowledgeable about infant development and milestones  Be aware of “red flags”  Assess infant development regularly  Keep a record of your observations  Communicate with parents

Infant Safety  Click on the link below to review safety for infants: basics/babies/ Come back in 3-4 minutes.

Question: How can we ensure that infants have a clean, safe, healthy, and nurturing environment?

Promote Physical Development through Nurture and Care  Be nurturing and responsive to the needs of infants  Feed them regularly (check that food has been properly stored and encourage healthy foods)  Make sure the environment is clean and child-proofed

Question How can you promote development through your interactions with infants?

Promote Physical Development through Interactions  Talk to infants  Tell stories to infants  Play with infants  Read to infants  Sing to infants  Dance and move with infants

References Puckett, M. & Black, J. (2005). The Young Child. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.