Physical Development Fine and Gross Motor Skills in

Physical Development Fine and Gross Motor Skills in the School-Aged Child

Click here for video Fine Motor Skills n Involve the small muscles of the body n Enable the functions of 1. 2. 3. writing grasping small objects fastening clothing

Fine Motor Skills Affect Learning n Important to most school activities n Weaknesses affect education; note-taking… n May need evaluation by a physical and/or occupational therapists

Strategies to Improve Fine Motor Skills Toys and games develop strength and coordination Board games with pieces and parts to pick up and move n n Strategy games develops tracking with the eyes and pincher grip of the fingers Drawing and coloring Origami- paper folding Paper Cutting

Gross Motor Skills n n n Movement of the large muscles of the body Learned through practice until a particular skill is mastered Skills Included: 1. Balance 2. Crossing at the Mid-Line 3. Laterality; awareness of right and left 4. Major muscle co-ordination

Developing Gross Motor Skills Gains better control of grasping, feeding oneself, dressing oneself n Running, climbing, playing outdoors n Outside chores; gardening, raking, weeding n Walking in the snow n Playing with a large ball n Playing Simon Says n

Fine & Gross Motor Skills Summary Every aspect of life involves them n Difficulty or delay in development affects a person greatly n Early use and assistance with development crucial n Activities need to be practiced often n Continue to develop throughout life n