Attached.

Discussion Response: Planning Infant and Toddler Care for Physical Development
Physical development knowledge functions primarily to help caregivers devise appropriate
curricular experiences that sustain growth and well-being. Physical development encompasses
milestones associated with motor skills, brain development, and nutritional needs; these factors
influence how young children relate to their environment and, in turn, acquire foundational skills.
Gaining knowledge in these areas helps caregivers develop developmentally appropriate activities
and environments that provide optimum conditions to enhance physical growth and overall wellbeing.

The reading explains how certain patterns stand out in the development of body weight and
physical growth. Important is the point about growth and development that emphasizes nutritional
needs and activity levels. By understanding this, caregivers can provide activities that are
conducive to different stages of development so that children will perform those actions that elicit
muscle development and coordination.

The importance of brain development is another focus of the readings, alongside the
influence the various systems of the brain have on physical abilities. Reading on systems
underlying development stresses how motor control relates to sensory processing and cognitive
functions. This emphasizes how important it is to provide an environment of sensory and motor
experiences, such as tummy time for infants, crawling, and walking. This information helps
caregivers organize physical activity that allows for the establishment of neural connections that
impact coordination.
The reading on healthy dietary patterns during a toddler’s second year provided me with
"light bulb" moments. Nutr...