Physical Development Milestones: Fourth Grade

Competition is heating up among fourth graders as they progress physically. Help your child keep up.

What You Need to Know

Your fourth grader is likely getting more competitive and pushing herself physically. You can expect your child to progress in the following areas:

• Motor skills: Kids can perform movement and rhythmic combinations and engage in games and dancing. Coordination allows for things like kicking, throwing, or catching a ball.
• Fitness: Kids participate in aerobic activities, know how to measure their exertion, and know that they should perform a variety of activities to develop muscles, endurance, and flexibility.
• Social development: Students should focus on activities that emphasize acceptance and cooperation. They can often resolve conflicts on their own. They follow rules willingly. They know of healthful activities. They try to include someone who’s excluded.

How You Can Help

• Enroll your child in a sport she’s interested in. Dance is also a great way to learn coordination and be fit.
• Remember the three aspects of a good physical workout: flexibility, strength training, and aerobic training. Think of specific activities that your child can do to cover all three. Children should get 60 minutes of exercise every day.
• Join your child in exercise or sports—it’s good for you too!

For more information about your child’s physical development, please see the full article:

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Fourth_Grader_Able_To/