Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards
Domain: Physical and Motor Development
The emphasis in this domain is on physical health and development as an integral part of children’s well-being and ability to take advantage of educational opportunities. The components address gross motor development, fine motor development, and physical health, nutrition, safety, and self-care.
Children show progress in Gross Motor Development when they:
1. Develop large muscle control and coordination
2. Develop body strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina
3. Use a variety of equipment for physical development
4. Develop ability to move their body in space with coordination
Children show progress in Fine Motor Development when they:
1. Develop small muscle control and coordination
2. Use eye-hand coordination to perform a variety of tasks
3. Explore and experiment with a variety of tools (e.g., spoons, crayons, paintbrushes, scissors, keyboards)
Children show progress in Physical Health and Well-Being when they:
1. Participate in a variety of physical activities to enhance personal health and physical fitness.
2. Follow basic health and safety rules
3. Recognize and eat a variety of nutritious foods
4. Demonstrate increasing independence with basic self-care skills
