B1.1 & 2.1: Physical Development Milestones & Aspects of Physical Development

What is motor development?

An aspect of physical development that refers to the increasing ability to use their bodies to move and interact with their surroundings. This development is the outcome of the interplay between the central nervous system, Musculo-skeletal system and the environment.

What is the central nervous system?

The brain, spinal cord and nerves.

What is maturation?

Muscles becoming stronger, enabling better locomotion and dexterity.

What is the process of maturation?

When the nervous system sends electrical impulses to enable more sophisticated movement

What is the Musculo-skeletal system?

The body's framework of bones, muscles, and joints that provides support, stability, and movement

What is physical development?

Growth of movement skills controlled by the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the environment.

What is an invariant developmental sequence?

Invariant means never changing; this is a series of development that occurs in a particular order because each development in the sequence is required for the next. 

What type of sequence is physical development?

An invariant one because all children must follow the same process of physical development

What are examples of gross motor skills?

• Locomotion (walking, running, climbing)

• Balance

• Spatial awareness

• Co-ordination

• Jumping

• Dancing

• Throwing and catching

• Riding scooters, tricycles, bikes

What are examples of fine motor skills?

• Hand-eye coordination activities: threading, sewing, drawing, painting, digital technology skills

• Self-help skills: dressing (laces, buttons, zips)

• Handwriting progression: palmar grasp, pincer grasp, primitive tripod, Tripod, Dynamic Tripod grip

How do gross motor skills develop from 0-2yrs?

• 3-4 months: hold head up

• 4-7 months: sit without support

• 7-10 months: crawl

• 10-18 months: walk independently 

How do fine motor skills develop from 0-2yrs?

• 6 months: reach, grasp objects

• 9-12 months: pincer grasp (thumb and finger)

• 12-18 months: turn pages, stack blocks

• 18-24 months: use spoon, scribble

How do gross motor skills develop from 2-5yrs?

• Walks, run confidently

• Climbs, balances on one foot

• Hops, skips, jumps

• Rides tricycle/scooter

How do fine motor skills develop from 2-5yrs?

• Draw simple shapes

• Use scissors with some control

• Begin dressing self (zips, buttons)

• Holds crayon/pencil using tripod grip

How do gross motor skills develop from 5-8yrs?

• Runs with coordination and control

• Catches and throws accurately

• Skips, dances, swims, rides a bike

How do fine motor skills develop from 5-8yrs?

• Handwriting develops (tripod → dynamic tripod grip)

• Increased accuracy with drawing and writing

• Threading, sewing, crafts

• Effective use of digital devices (tables, computers)