Nursery World - A parent's guide to gross and fine motor skills

Gross motor skills are used in activities such as running, playing ball and using a cricket bat, while fine motor skills are used to write, cut out a shape, tie up shoelaces and open jars. Mastery of both sets of skills is important for your child's development. Is one motor skill more important than the other?

Is one motor skill more important than the other?

Many people will focus on fine motor skills, as these are the abilities children need to write and complete activities at school. But the two skills are interlinked and gross motor skills will come first. Children with well-developed gross motor skills tend to be more confident and take more risks than other children. They are more confident in physical activities, and are more likely to be healthier and fitter as they get older.

My child doesn't sit still long enough to write and draw. How can I get him to concentrate?

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included