Portage Learning / PSYCH 140 /review STUDY GUIDE Latest
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Module 4 Review
Physical Development in Early
Childhood
Early childhood is a transition period as children develop an amazing array of new skills and
yet retain childish behaviors that are very unique to this stage of life! Early childhood
includes the toddler/preschool years up until approximately ages 6 or 7. As we will continue
to do throughout this course, we will discuss physical, cognitive, and socioemotional
aspects of development during this time period.
Watch the video below as you study the material in this module. The video covers both
physical as well as cognitive development, so you may want to:
1) Listen to the physical development portion.
2) Read the rest of the physical development material.
3) Watch the rest of the video.
4) Start the cognitive development section.
, Important gross motor skills that are normally accomplished in early childhood include
throwing a ball, hopping, catching a ball, running, and kicking a ball. Examples of fine motor
skills usually accomplished at this time include cutting paper, pasting, pouring, building
blocks, lacing, cutting along a line, printing a name, tracing, and coloring. However, just as
in infancy, there are wide ranges of what is typical motor development. Each child develops
differently, and there is usually no cause for concern unless a child is substantially behind
the recommended ranges. Below are some general ranges for gross- and fine-motor skills
in early childhood. As you can see, there is overlap in the age guidelines, which points to
the continuous nature of motor development.
Age Gross Motor Fine Motor
Can jump. Can throw and catch a
2-3 ball,
Can zip and unzip. Can use a spoon.
years although the upper body remains
rigid.
Can walk upstairs, alternating feet on
each step.
Can walk downstairs leading with one
3-4 foot. Can use child scissors. Can fasten and
years Can throw and catch a ball (although unfasten large buttons.
catching usually
involves trapping the ball against the
chest).
Can walk upstairs and downstairs,
4-5 Can use a fork well. Can cut on a line
alternating feet.
years using scissors.
Can catch a ball with hands.
5-6 Can skip. Can ride a bicycle with Can tie shoes. Can copy some numbers
years training wheels. and basic words.
RATED A+
Module 4 Review
Physical Development in Early
Childhood
Early childhood is a transition period as children develop an amazing array of new skills and
yet retain childish behaviors that are very unique to this stage of life! Early childhood
includes the toddler/preschool years up until approximately ages 6 or 7. As we will continue
to do throughout this course, we will discuss physical, cognitive, and socioemotional
aspects of development during this time period.
Watch the video below as you study the material in this module. The video covers both
physical as well as cognitive development, so you may want to:
1) Listen to the physical development portion.
2) Read the rest of the physical development material.
3) Watch the rest of the video.
4) Start the cognitive development section.
, Important gross motor skills that are normally accomplished in early childhood include
throwing a ball, hopping, catching a ball, running, and kicking a ball. Examples of fine motor
skills usually accomplished at this time include cutting paper, pasting, pouring, building
blocks, lacing, cutting along a line, printing a name, tracing, and coloring. However, just as
in infancy, there are wide ranges of what is typical motor development. Each child develops
differently, and there is usually no cause for concern unless a child is substantially behind
the recommended ranges. Below are some general ranges for gross- and fine-motor skills
in early childhood. As you can see, there is overlap in the age guidelines, which points to
the continuous nature of motor development.
Age Gross Motor Fine Motor
Can jump. Can throw and catch a
2-3 ball,
Can zip and unzip. Can use a spoon.
years although the upper body remains
rigid.
Can walk upstairs, alternating feet on
each step.
Can walk downstairs leading with one
3-4 foot. Can use child scissors. Can fasten and
years Can throw and catch a ball (although unfasten large buttons.
catching usually
involves trapping the ball against the
chest).
Can walk upstairs and downstairs,
4-5 Can use a fork well. Can cut on a line
alternating feet.
years using scissors.
Can catch a ball with hands.
5-6 Can skip. Can ride a bicycle with Can tie shoes. Can copy some numbers
years training wheels. and basic words.
