Learning and Teaching

Developing strong motor skills is an essential part of a child’s early years. Both fine motor skills and gross motor skills play a crucial role in their learning, independence, and overall physical development.

Fine Motor Skills 

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers that help with tasks such as writing, cutting with scissors, buttoning clothes, and using cutlery. Strengthening these skills helps children improve their handwriting, develop coordination, and complete everyday tasks with ease. Activities like drawing, threading beads, cutting paper, and playing with small blocks can enhance fine motor development.

Gross Motor Skills 

Gross motor skills use larger muscle groups to support activities like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. These skills help children with coordination, strength, and confidence in physical activities. Strong gross motor skills also support focus and posture in the classroom. Encouraging outdoor play, sports, and activities such as skipping or dancing helps develop these essential skills.

Why Are These Skills Important? 

Fine and gross motor skills are fundamental for children’s success in school and beyond. They help with everyday tasks, build confidence, and support academic learning. Ensuring that children engage in a variety of activities that strengthen these skills will set them up for success in both their physical and cognitive development.

Screens and Motor Development

Research shows that increasing screen use in early childhood can impact the development of fine and gross motor skills when it replaces hands-on play and movement. Activities such as tapping and swiping do not build the same strength, coordination, and control as climbing, drawing, building, cutting, or manipulating real objects. Studies have found that higher screen time is associated with reduced opportunities for physical play and practice using tools like pencils, scissors, and construction materials — all of which are essential for developing strong motor pathways. Technology can still be useful when used intentionally and in moderation; however, young children benefit most from regular opportunities to move, explore, and use their hands in real-world tasks.

Parents and teachers can work together to provide opportunities for children to practice and improve their motor skills through play, structured activities, and real-life experiences. Let’s keep our young learners active and engaged!

Learning and Teaching