Lesson 2.2: Getting ready to play

Background: Development milestones are things that most children can do by a certain age. Milestones mark development of social, language, learning, thinking, and movement (motor) skills. Each child develops at his or her own pace. Nevertheless, these milestones are a good way to measure a child’s developmental progress. 

A delay in motor skill development can mean a child is unable run, hop, or skip at an age when most children can. Lack of physical activity (active play), low birth weight, and/or premature birth can lead to delays in motor development. Discussing concerns with a pediatrician can help children get back on track to be ready for school.

Helping children develop motor skills is a way to encourage physical activity and also healthy weight gain.

Playing ball is fun and helps develop motor skills (USDA photo gallery)

Teaching Tips: This lesson focuses on motor development to help parents understand the importance of physical activity. Subsequent lessons (Play together I and II) teach simple games that parents can play with young children to develop motor skills. As parents and children play the games in these three lessons, encourage the adults to call-out motor skills.

Key Message: Parents can help children develop motor skills through active play

Objectives: By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

 1) Identify motor milestones for 2-5 year old children and

 2) Explain why physical activity (active play) is important at an early age for motor development and good health

Set-up: Prepare sets of motor milestone cards for each group of 3-4 participants. Set up projector, laptop and screen if you choose to show a video of children engaged in active play

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(Lesson 2.2GettingReady toPlayEng)