Which of the following best describes physical development in children?

Physical development in children encompasses the progression of both large and small motor skills, which play a crucial role in a child's overall growth and ability to interact with their environment. Large motor skills, also known as gross motor skills, involve larger muscle groups and actions related to body movements, such as walking, running, and jumping. In contrast, small motor skills, or fine motor skills, relate to more precise movements that involve smaller muscle groups, including tasks like holding a pencil, buttoning clothing, or manipulating small objects.

This comprehensive understanding of physical development goes beyond mere increases in height and weight, which are important but do not fully encompass the skills and abilities that children develop as they grow. Moreover, it is not limited to social interactions or verbal language skills, as those aspects fall under social and language development respectively. Thus, the emphasis on motor skills captures a vital area of physical development and illustrates how children become more capable and independent as they mature.