Topic outline
Introduction
Working as a health and care professional it is important to understand how we grow and develop as people. This learning pathway provides you with the opportunity to explore life stages and physical and mental development.
Learning Pathway details
- Pathway Length – Approx. 10-12 Hours
- 100% Online
- Beginner / Intermediate Level
During this learning pathway you will be learning about:
Session 1 – Physical Development in Infancy
1-2 hour to completePhysical development in infancy refers to the changes in a baby's physical abilities, such as the growth and maturation of their body and the development of motor skills. This period of development starts at birth and lasts until the age of two. During this time, infants go through a series of milestones, such as the ability to hold their head up, sit up, crawl, and walk.
Objectives:
- Understand the basic milestones of physical development in infants, including gross and fine motor skills, and be able to identify when these milestones are typically achieved.
- Understand the role of genetics and the environment in shaping physical development in infants, including the impact of nutrition, physical activity, and exposure to toxins.
- Understand how to promote healthy physical development in infants, including through proper nutrition, physical activity, and exposure to age-appropriate toys and activities.
- Understand the importance of monitoring and tracking physical development in infants, including through regular check-ups and developmental screenings, and be able to identify signs of potential delays or concerns.
Session 2 – Physical Development in Early Childhood
1-2 hour to complete- Physical development in early childhood refers to the growth and maturation of a child's body, including their physical abilities, skills, and coordination. This stage of development is crucial as it lays the foundation for a child's future physical abilities and fitness. During the early childhood years, children experience rapid growth and development, learning to crawl, walk, run, and jump as they master the coordination and control of their bodies.
Objectives:
- By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify and describe the different stages of physical development in early childhood (birth to age 8).
- Students will be able to understand and explain the importance of gross motor skills in early childhood, and how they support the development of other areas of the child's growth.
- Students will be able to identify and demonstrate different activities and exercises that can be used to promote physical development in early childhood.
- Students will be able to explain the role of nutrition and physical activity in supporting physical development in early childhood.
Session 3 – Physical Development in Adolescence
1-2 hour to complete- Adolescence is a crucial period of physical development that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. During this time, significant changes occur in the body, including growth spurts, changes in body shape and composition, and the onset of puberty. Adolescents experience a wide range of physical changes as their bodies undergo various structural and functional changes.
Objectives:
- Understand the physical changes that occur during adolescence, including growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Identify the factors that influence physical development during adolescence, including genetics, nutrition, and hormonal changes.
- Understand the impact of physical activity and exercise on adolescent physical development, including the benefits for bone and muscle growth and overall health.
- Understand the importance of healthy eating and nutrition for adolescent physical development and the role of balanced diets in promoting growth and development.
Session 4 – Physical Development in Adulthood
- Physical development in adulthood refers to the changes and growth that occur in the body during the later stages of life. This includes changes in muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical fitness. As we age, our bodies go through a natural process of decline, but with proper care and maintenance, we can slow down this process and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Objectives:
- Understand the changes that occur in the body during adulthood, including changes in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function.
- Identify the factors that contribute to physical decline in adulthood, including poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and chronic health conditions.
- Learn about the importance of regular physical activity and exercise in maintaining physical health and preventing chronic diseases.
- Understand the role of nutrition and diet in maintaining physical health and preventing chronic diseases.
Conclusion
This pathway has explored the physical development throughout the stages of life. You should now be able to identify the processes of physical development of the human body across the life cycle.
Final Reflection Task
Your final part of this pathway is to share a reflection. It is important to reflect after any learning you do as this helps close the loop on what you have learnt, gives you the opportunity to answer any question you may have or even encourage you to find out more information. It will also help us in creating future pathways, learning packages and platforms.