Hi, welcome to the site. You don't mention the handbook you've been recommended or the course your taking so if it helps these pages of the
level 3 EYE textbook may be useful.
Page 410 definition of holistic development:
children's overall development rather than a single aspect.
For example by providing a sand tray with buckets and scoops a setting supports children's holistic development physically where they can stand, lift, sift and pour the sand out and in of containers maybe using their whole bodies to transport the sand to another area. Children communicate with other at the tray using language to interact socially, expressing emotions and getting to know personalities, Creative development flourishes where ideas can be put into action, how sand feels, moves and is shaped, separated and brought back together again all helps to understand the concepts of mathematics and literacy is explored as marks are made in the sand and the meanings attached to them are understood.
Page 299 benefits of holistic development for communication and language
Cognitive development and memory where language is used to help us process information eg 'wellington boot; the words text or spoken conjure an image in the mind, the picture is a memory but the word itself triggered the memory.
Reading and writing. a word on the page means nothing unless you have a memory of what it means, similarly you cannot write a sentence if you donot have any words in your mind.
Behaviour is linked to many factors including a child's stage of development, but also their language level. Language can help children be less impulsive and to think through their actions. Some behaviours are also linked to frustration because they cannot make themselves understood. Supporting children's language in all areas of their play can make a significant difference to their behviour.
Social development and interacting with others requires a skill at 'reading' and body language and also how to express themselves.
The way children
play develops as their language grows. Play becomes more cooperative, complex and imaginative. Communication also plays a large part in playing.
Page 344 benefits of holistic development for personal, social and emotional
Managing feelings and behaviour so that children are more likely to learn if they find that by controlling their behaviour they will be less distracted. they are also more likely to have access to a grater range of challenging materials and activities when adults know that rules and boundaries are respected.
Friendships and relationships are linked to children's learning as the more settled and happy they feel the more likely it is they will concentrate and gain in confidence. Children who struggle to form strong relationships may not join in group play or later on in discussions. They also miss out on opportunities to learn from each other.
Self-confidence and self-efficacy make a difference to children' holistic development. When they have strong level of self-confidence an self-efficacy they are more likely to be happy and popular, and take part in new opportunities.
Use page 23 to explore a child's physical development and the benefits of exercise: development of bones, healthy heart function, healthy respiratory function, aiding healthy sleep and eating pattern to see how holistic development benefits from a setting providing a range of engaging activities and areas for that to happen.
I hope this helps a little, best wishes
Holistic development importance ???
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