Physical development is a really important part of your child’s learning in the early years.

As children grow, they need to learn how to move their bodies with control - running, jumping, climbing, and balancing - as well as how to use their hands and fingers for smaller tasks like holding a pencil, using scissors, or doing up buttons.

These skills help them get ready for things like writing, getting dressed, and focusing in class. At school, we give children lots of chances to be active, indoors and outside.

They build strength, coordination, and confidence through play, movement, and hands-on activities. Helping children move and play not only supports their health, but also helps them learn, make friends, and feel good about themselves.

Why Scissor Skills Are Important

Learning to use scissors is an important part of your child’s early development. Cutting with scissors helps build fine motor skills, which are needed for writing, drawing, and everyday tasks like fastening buttons. It also supports hand-eye coordination, concentration, and control. At school, we give children lots of opportunities to practise scissor skills through creative activities like cutting paper, making collages, and craft work.

You can support this at home by buying a pair of child-safe scissors and letting your child practise cutting paper, card, or even playdough.

Always supervise and encourage them to hold the scissors correctly. It’s a fun and helpful way to build their confidence and prepare them for more complex tasks as they grow.

//www.youtube.com/embed/A9hu3RSt4iM#t=0.5

 Pre-scissor skill development external link  

Useful Document Cutting Skills:

• cutting-skills download_for_offline
  download_for_offlinecutting-skills

Why the Correct Pencil Grip Matters

Helping your child learn the correct pencil grip from the very beginning is really important. A good pencil grip supports better control, comfort, and handwriting as your child grows. When children hold a pencil properly, it helps them form letters more easily and reduces strain on their hands and fingers. Starting with the right grip early on means they’re less likely to develop habits that are hard to change later.

At school, we gently teach and encourage the tripod grip, where the pencil is held between the thumb and first two fingers. We also use fun fine motor activities like threading, playdough, and tweezers to strengthen hand muscles and prepare children for writing.

You can help at home by encouraging your child to use a short, child-friendly pencil, and reminding them how to hold it correctly. With regular practice and gentle support, your child will build the confidence and control they need for writing success.

//www.youtube.com/embed/Ii8QbOQ4aCc#t=0.5

Useful Documents - Tripod pencil grip: Nip, flip, grip!

• left-handed download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineleft-handed
• pre-writing-shapes download_for_offline
  download_for_offlinepre-writing-shapes
• right-handed download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineright-handed

 Physical Development - Gross and fine motor skills

At ages 4–5, children are rapidly developing both gross and fine motor skills, which are essential for daily activities, play, and early learning. Encouraging a mix of active play, creative tasks, and everyday practice helps children build confidence, coordination, and independence. Below are some key milestones and ideas to support your child at home. Here is a useful document to explore: