Motor Skill Development

Today we will talk about Motor Development, what is motor development, its types, importance and activities that can be conducted at home to develop the skills. Many times we conduct such activities which leave parents in surprise. What is the purpose of such activities, how can it help my kids, etc etc.

Motor development means the physical growth and strengthening of a child’s bones, muscles and ability to move and touch his/her surroundings. A child’s motor development falls into two categories: fine motor and gross motor.

Fine motor skills refer to small movements in the hands, wrists, fingers, feet, toes, lips and tongue. Gross motor skills involve motor development of muscles that enable babies to hold up their heads, sit and crawl, and eventually walk, run, jump and skip.

Typical motor skill development follows a predictable sequence. It starts from the inner body, including the head, neck, arms and legs, and then moves to the outer body such as hands, feet, fingers and toes. Motor development is important throughout a child’s early life, because physical development is tied to other development areas. For example, if a child is able to crawl or walk (gross motor skills), he/she can more easily explore their physical environment, which affects cognitive development. Social and emotional development progresses when a child can speak eat and drink (fine motor skills).

Parents can help develop a child’s motor skills at all ages. Some activities include:

· Visiting playgrounds, where your child can climb, swing and slide.

· Digging and gardening help in building gross motor skills.

· Pegs are an excellent tool for strengthening the muscle in our fingers and hands.

· By adding a small scoop to a sensory tray, you can encourage your little learner to develop their fine motor skills as they scoop and transfer.

· Using play dough encourages little learners to manipulate the play dough and make something new. It’s not only fun loving it’s develop their imagination skills.