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?
Fine motor skills are not just developed through drawing, cutting and pasting. Children can develop these skills when playing with blocks or working on some carpentry. Even computer games can develop these skills to a certain extent. Make sure you continue to provide a box of arts and crafts materials too - you can supply glue, paper, markers, pencils and paints and allow them to use these as part of their normal playtime. You can also develop many fine motor skills just by letting your child join in household jobs. Measuring out the ingredients in a recipe, pouring them into a bowl and stirring them together in the kitchen all uses fine motor skills. Inviting your child to work alongside you at chores such as sweeping the floor, wiping the table and hanging up washing are just a few more excellent activities.
My child is not very confident with physical tasks. Will she get hurt if she attempts them?
Letting children explore and learn about their bodies is important.
Inevitably children will get a scraped knee, a stubbed toe or a grazed arm.
There will be tears! But children who do not have strong gross motor abilities are more likely to hurt themselves if they don't get to practise some essential skills.
Fun ways to teach these skills include tossing balloons around, putting on some bouncy music for dancing, and blowing bubbles for them to catch. There is no need for fancy equipment or toys. Give children opportunities to try out playground equipment, climb trees, run after a soccer ball - it's all about having fun. The skills will develop as they play.
I am worried that my child's motor skills are not what they should be. What can I do?
Individual children develop at different stages. By the time they leave nursery they should be able to enjoy activities that make them feel independent. This includes packing their own bag for school, knowing how to open everything in their lunch box, using scissors and holding a pencil.
Many children by this stage can ride a bike, hop on one leg and run confidently. They will also be able to catch a ball if it's thrown gently.
If your child appears to be lagging behind in these skills, however, talk to a staff member and ask them to observe them at nursery. It is best to monitor and work on any potential issues as early as possible.
