The Power of Physical Play: Development and Effective Learning -- 0 to 7 Years

Development and Effective Learning (01:11)
Physical play develops first but is little researched. This video will examine gross and fine motor development; play’s relationship to confidence, well-being and happiness; how it encourages self-regulation and social learning; and how to effectively support and promote it.

Gross Motor Play (08:23)

Physical play begins in babies. Exercise play emerges with mobility and involves large muscle movements and coordination. By age four, children spend 20% of their time playing in a social environment. Learn about benefits of play and corresponding brain development areas.

Fine Motor Play (06:01)

Babies have a natural desire to explore and explain. Fine motor play encourages motivation, grip refinement, wrist and arm control, concentration, perseverance, tool use, and determination.

Self-Regulation (08:22)

Children possess a drive to be competent and autonomous. Physical play helps them develop strategies, set challenges, and use repetition and perseverance to build physical skills and regulate emotional response. Educators can help them understand how they learn.

Social Learning (07:51)

Babies have an innate drive to relate to others. Physical play encourages social bonds, awareness of other's feelings, knowing when to ask for help, supporting others, working together, learning from peers, setting challenges, playing games with rules, and breaking down tasks.

Rough and Tumble (03:30)

Roughhousing may have emerged as a way to control aggression. It encourages reading non-verbal communication, self-regulation, and understanding emotional expression.

Risky Play (04:34)

Learning how to take risks safely is a useful life skill. See ways adults can model and provide support. Children learn to manage risk, face challenges, and know when to ask for help.

Supporting Physical Play: Environment and Materials (02:08)

See examples of materials supporting gross and fine motor play. The play environment should include outdoor opportunities, open ended materials, inspiring resources, and freedom to explore and make messes.

Effective Adult Support (14:17)

Caregivers and educators should provide emotional security. Effective scaffolding methods include encouraging struggle, sensitive withdrawal, breaking down a task, making suggestions, modelling activities, giving feedback, asking questions, specific praise, letting children maintain control, extending play, and knowing when to engage.

Credits: The Power of Physical Play: Development and Effective Learning -- 0 to 7 Years (00:31)

Credits: The Power of Physical Play: Development and Effective Learning -- 0 to 7 Years