EDUC 111 AMU Motor Skill Development Benchmarks Discussion

Describe specific benchmarks that you would look for when observing children as indicators that they are progressing in their physical development. Give specific examples supported by the theories presented in the readings and lesson content.

Classmate #1:

Observing a child’s physical development necessitates an understanding of several key benchmarks. Firstly, gross motor skills, which encompass fundamental movements such as walking and jumping, provide insights into a child’s larger muscle group development. Secondly, fine motor skills, characterized by intricate actions like grasping and drawing, indicate the maturation of smaller muscle groups. Thirdly, balance and coordination milestones, such as the ability to stand on one foot, reflect a child’s equilibrium and physical harmony. Fourthly, strength and endurance assessments, which gauge a child’s stamina during activities, offer perspectives on their overall energy levels. Lastly, flexibility, demonstrated through actions like touching one’s toes, showcases a child’s physical adaptability.

1. Gross Motor Skills: These encompass fundamental movements such as walking and jumping, providing insights into a child’s larger muscle group development. As they age, we also look for enhancements in their agility, like swiftly changing directions or improving speed in their runs.

2. Fine Motor Skills: Characterized by intricate actions like grasping and drawing, these skills indicate the maturation of smaller muscle groups. Beyond basic actions, we might also observe the precision of their pencil grip or their dexterity in threading beads onto a string.

3. Balance & Coordination: Milestones such as the ability to stand on one foot or catch a ball reflect a child’s equilibrium and physical harmony. Over time, they should also showcase an ability to combine multiple skills, like dribbling a ball while running.

4. Strength & Endurance: Assessments that gauge a child’s stamina during activities offer perspectives on their overall energy levels. It’s not just about duration but also the intensity; can they maintain consistent energy while playing an active game, or do they display bursts of strength during specific tasks?

5. Flexibility: Demonstrated through actions like touching one’s toes, this showcases a child’s physical adaptability. As they grow, their range of motion in joints, like shoulders and hips, can also offer insights into their flexibility levels.

References:

[Ehow]. (2009, November 9). The Typical Sequence of Motor Development in Infants [Video]. Hello Motherhood. 

Pachucki, D. (2013, August 5). The Typical Sequence of Motor Development in Infants. Hello Motherhood. 

Cherry, K., MSEd (2023, March 13). 7 Main Developmental Theories Child Development Theories of Freud, Erickson, and More. Very Well Mind. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from 

Hendrink, J., Ph.D. (n.d.). The Whole Child. PBS. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from 

Classmate #2:

Hi Class,

Motor skill proficiency is a key factor to consider when observing a child’s physical development. Children normally progress through several stages as they develop their gross motor skills, which involve using big muscles and whole body movements. In infancy, infants learn to roll over, which is a crucial indicator of physical growth. This ability corresponds to Piaget’s sensorimotor stage, in which newborns explore their surroundings through sensory and motor actions. As they enter their toddler years, children usually advance to crawling and ultimately walking, an important gross motor skill that demonstrates the development of coordination and strength. According to Erikson’s theory, this stage relates to the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt phase, in which children discover independence through physical exploration. Progression in skills like running, skipping, and jumping is expected as children grow, emphasizing the development of balance, flexibility, and coordination. During this period, children begin to mentally picture objects and participate in imaginative play that heavily relies on physical skills, which aligns with Piaget’s preoperational stage. Fine motor skills are also crucial and involve more precise movements of the hands and fingers. They are essential in daily activities such as eating. During infancy, babies learn to grip objects using the palmar grasp reflex. They clench their fingers around an object when it touches their hand. Children switch to a more advanced pincer grasp as they get closer to toddlerhood, allowing them to pick up smaller objects with their thumb and forefinger. As children continue to grow, they develop the required fine motor skills to feed themselves with utensils. They learn to grasp a spoon or fork more precisely, scoop food, and bring it to their mouths. It is crucial to monitor children’s physical development by understanding the progression of their motor skills. This enables parents and caregivers to provide appropriate support and encouragement to help children maximize their potential.

-Cerrie

Amrhein, S. (2016, November 1). Fine Motor Milestones & Facilitation. Child’s Play Therapy Center. 

Psychology 101. (n.d.). 3.1 Motor and Cognitive Development. AllPsych. 

Sus, V. (2023, September 2). Autonomy vs shame and doubt: 10 examples (Erikson 2nd stage). Helpful Professor.