Archive for the ‘preschoolers’ Category

Kids Have Not Changed Developmentally

Friday, October 15th, 2010

The Gesell Institute for Human Development has performed an 18 month long study on how childhood development in 2010 relates to Gesell’s observations published in 1925, 1940 and after his death by his colleagues in 1964 and 1979. Interestingly, not much has changed through all the years. Some experts are concluding that even though the educational system has increased the academic vigor of young children the age at which children reach cognitive milestones have remained stable. Ninety two examiners assessed 1287 children (3-6 years old) from 23 states using 19 tasks. The research indicated that through the years the children develop skills at the same time. For example, the fact that a child can draw a triangle at age 5 1/2 or that a 4 year old can count four pennies has not changed through the years.

This study should help educators to realize that they can slow down. Take the time to allow preschoolers and kindergartners ample amounts of free play, motor time and imaginative play.

My one question is why are more and more children being referred for occupational and physical therapy then?

To read more about this study go to Harvard Education Letter.
View Gesell Developmental Schedules.

Reference: Pappano, L. Kids Haven’t Changed Kindergarten Has. Retreived from the web on 10/15/2010 at http://www.hepg.org/hel/article/479#home

Posted in kindergarten, preschoolers | 1 Comment »

Preschoolers and Physical Activity Time Tip

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Pediatrics reports that children in preschools with high quality scores, less fixed playground equipment, more portable playground equipment, less media time and larger playgrounds experienced more moderate/ vigorous physical activity per hour and fewer sedentary minutes compared to other preschool children.

That seems like a simple way to increase physical activity time in any preschoolers we may be working with to develop gross motor skills. Perhaps suggest to the preschool director more portable playground equipment i.e. balls, jump ropes, etc rather than always relying on fixed playground equipment for gross motor time. This would help all children in the class. With our extensive problems with childhood obesity in this country, this simple addition to play time may encourage more moderate/vigorous activity in children which is a huge plus.

Does anyone else have any simple suggestions to increase physical activity time in preschoolers? We have several electronic books and articles at our website www.YourTherapySource.com to promote physical activity. We would love to hear from you and what you do in your therapy practice to encourage physical activity. Please comment.

Reference: Dowda, Marsha, Brown, William H., McIver, Kerry L., Pfeiffer, Karin A., O’Neill, Jennifer R., Addy, Cheryl L., Pate, Russell R.
Policies and Characteristics of the Preschool Environment and Physical Activity of Young Children Pediatrics 2009 123: e261-e266

Posted in pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, physical activity, preschoolers | No Comments »