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Early Childhood: Physical Development

At SSIS, a creative outdoor play area and bright, spacious classrooms provide young children with a safe, child-centered environment in which to discover, explore, and practice new concepts and skills. Children develop physical skills by interacting with the physical environment. They are encouraged to seek opportunities to use and extend fine motor and gross motor abilities. Fine motor activities such as drawing, threading, play dough or puzzles encourage eye-hand coordination and control that are necessary for later writing development.  Gross motor activities include climbing, digging, swinging, running that increase balance, endurance and strength. Children participate in music and movement lessons, swimming, and outdoor/indoor activities. Teachers provide physical activities that build self-confidence and the motivation to physically challenge themselves and develop the necessary skills for daily life.