What type of growth is emphasized during preschool years, in terms of physical changes?

During the preschool years, the emphasis is on balanced development of body proportions. This stage is characterized by gradual physical changes rather than the rapid transformations seen in infancy. Children experience steady growth in height and weight, but it is the proportional changes that stand out. As preschoolers develop, their limbs grow longer in relation to their torso, leading to a more balanced body shape. This proportional development supports increasingly coordinated motor skills, allowing children to engage in more complex physical activities, which are essential for their overall growth and development.

Understanding that development during these years is not just about becoming taller or heavier, but rather about achieving a balance in body proportions helps educators and caregivers to nurture children's physical abilities and self-esteem as they grow.