Competency Goal #2 - physical & intellectual competence.

To advance physical and intellectual competence...

It is essential to the growth and development of every child to advance their physical and intellectual needs.  There are numerous ways to encourage this type of development.  I offer a variety of activities that promote the advancement of the physical and intellectual competence of the children in my care.  The following are a few examples:

INFANTS:

I often play "This Little Piggy" with them.  This simple game helps them to develop muscle groups, a sense of movement and rhythm and encourages interaction with their caregiver.  I ensure that they have the opportunity to explore their environment with both floor time and outside time.  This helps them develop their large muscle groups.  I provide them with the chance to experience their surroundings by giving them the freedom to grasp, push, feel and even taste their toys.

MOBILE INFANTS:

I often play "Hide -n- Seek" with them.  This fun game encourages them to develop a sense of independence, develop their large motor skills and to communicate their needs through their actions.  This game also encourages them to explore their environment.  I also encourage them to freely explore their surroundings.  I provide ample opportuniteis for them to walk, crawl and climb.  When they show excitement in one of their accomplishments, I show happiness for them as well.  I offer a cariety of manipulatives in which they may participate.  I wncourage them to pull or push their toys, stack and knock over blocks and use large pieced wooden puzzles.

TODDLERS:

I often play "Duck, Duck, Goose" with them.  This all time favorite game is wonderful for the growth of large muscel developemtn, anticipation, creative movement and team work. This game also helps them gain social skills between themselves and their caregiver.  Toddlers require more opportunities and more choices.  I provide them with the chance to experience a wide variety of activities.  Toddlers are rapidly developing their large and small muscle groups.  I ensure that they have daily activities which promote this developemtn.  I ensure that they have the chance to ride bikes, climb stairs, run, jump, skip and slide.  We act out puppet shows, finger plays and puzzles as well as sing songs and read books.