Physical Health & Growth

Your child has a wonderful, capable body that can accomplish all kinds of things.

He’s probably realizing this more than ever now, getting more confident and independent with healthy practices – even if he does still make the occasional risky decision.

Your Pre-Kindergartener

Caring for his health and knowing what foods and beverages are good for him are important milestones. Realistically, of course, we know that children of any age may not always choose the healthiest option. But you still want to make sure they at least know what the best choice is.

These four foundations will help you identify your child’s readiness in the area of physical health and growth. See something that doesn’t quite line up with where your child is right now? Check out activities to help him grow in whatever area he may need.

This age is a perfect opportunity to help him establish healthy habits that will last him a lifetime.

I Can Take Care of My Body

Like most kids, yours may have needed a little urging to make healthy choices in the past. Now, though, she should be able to generally know what foods and drinks are good for her. She also knows why things like washing hands and brushing teeth are important.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

A healthy learning environment should focus on…well, health! Make sure teachers encourage, talk about and set an example with positive practices around safety, food and general health.
I See How My Body Works

“How does my nose smell stuff?” “What if I taste a sour lemon right after a sweet strawberry?“Can my muscles help me find out what’s under that rock?” These are natural questions for your child, and by now he should have most of the answers.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Teachers promote physical activity and outdoor play, as well as awareness of the body. Children have the opportunity to run, play and engage in outdoor physical activity? And as they’re playing, are caregivers talking about how they use different parts of their body.
I Can Build and Shape

Your child may love to change her surroundings. At this point she can handle (somewhat) delicate tasks, such as tying a knot. She can also take on bigger challenges, coordinating her movements to bring about bigger results.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Daily activities should give lots of chances for detailed work with fingers (AKA "fine motor skills”) and big body play (AKA "gross motor skills"). From droppers and writing letters to jumping and climbing, pre-K students need practice to get better at all their moves -- big and small.
I Can Get Myself Ready

For your child, personal care involves skills like dressing himself and taking care of business in his bathroom visits. He shouldn’t need extensive help from an adult, and is likely getting more independent in this area all the time.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Your preschooler is becoming more independent with taking care of their bodies…and that independence should be encouraged! Children will have fewer and fewer reminders about hand-washing, pant-snapping and other self-care processes.