Motor Development Study Notes

Introduction to Motor Development

  • Babies are born with basic reflexes that help them survive and thrive.
  • Many reflexes disappear over time but form the foundation for further motor development.

Basic Reflexes

  • Reflexes have survival and developmental purposes.

Sucking Reflex

  • When something is placed in a baby's mouth, they instinctively suck on it.
  • Enables newborns to nurse immediately after birth.
  • May require some teaching to latch properly onto the breast, but babies will suck on a bottle nipple because of the sucking reflex.

Rooting Reflex

  • Occurs when a baby’s cheek is touched; the baby turns their head to find something to suck on.
  • Helps the baby latch on and nurse effectively.

Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

  • When startled, babies arch their back, fling out their arms and legs, then pull them back in.
  • Possible evolutionary purpose: may help prevent falling.

Grasping Reflex

  • When an object is placed in the baby's palm, they will grip it tightly.
  • Reflective of bonding and attachment (example: grandparent interaction).

Stepping Reflex

  • If a baby is held upright with their feet touching a flat surface, they will take steps as if attempting to walk.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills

  • Two main categories of motor skills:
      - Gross Motor Skills: Involve large muscle groups.
      - Fine Motor Skills: Involve precise coordination of smaller muscles.

Development of Gross Motor Skills

  • Gross motor skills typically develop before fine motor skills.
  • Voluntary control is limited in newborns.
Timelines for Gross Motor Skill Development
  • 6-7 months: Sitting upright without support.
  • 8.5 months: Crawling.
  • 8 months: Standing with support; walking varies from 9 to 15 months.
      - It is common for babies to start walking using furniture for support (cruising).
Key Points on Developmental Milestones
  • Most gross motor skills, like walking, develop in a specific range but with variability among infants.
  • Environmental support (e.g., safe spaces to practice) is crucial to motor skill development.

Second Year Gross Motor Development

  • Toddlers become significantly more mobile from 13 to 18 months.
  • Ability to pull toys attached to strings.
  • Climbing skills develop, influenced by environmental factors.

Skills Acquired During Second Year

  • 18-24 months: Rapid walking and beginning to run with a distinct gait.
  • Capable of:
      - Walking backward without losing balance.
      - Kicking a ball.
      - Throwing a ball.
      - Jumping in place (requires coordination and balance).
  • Toddlers show persistence while mastering motor skills.

Fine Motor Skills Development

  • Fine motor skills require coordination of smaller muscles, especially in the hands and fingers.
  • Examples: writing, drawing, using tools.
  • Infants have very low control over fine motor skills at birth.

Dynamic Systems Process

  • Development of reaching and grasping skills can change according to environmental adaptations.
      - Example: wearing Velcro booties encourages foot reaching over hand reaching.
  • Perceptual Motor Coupling: The baby’s ability to integrate sensory input (sight, hearing) with movement to coordinate grasping actions.

Timeline of Fine Motor Skills Development

0-6 Months
  • 2 Months: Can briefly hold a rattle if handed to them.
  • 3-4 Months: Play with rattles and start reaching for objects.
  • 4 Months: Begin to coordinate actions and put objects in their mouth (due to high neuronal density in lips and mouth for sensory exploration).
  • 5 Months: Can transfer an object from one hand to another and bang objects together.
6-12 Months
  • 6 Months: Can grasp objects and manipulate them for examination (e.g., turn them around).
  • 7 Months: Pull strings to obtain objects, showing primitive problem-solving skills.
  • 7.5-8.5 Months: Starting to use thumb and finger to grasp (not yet fully developed pincer grasp).
  • 10 Months: They begin to release objects deliberately.
  • 11-12 Months: Capable of placing several objects into a container.

Skills from 12 to 24 Months

  • Continued development of fine motor skills depending on practice opportunities and environmental encouragement.
  • Activities:
      - Scribbling with crayons.
      - Stacking blocks.
      - Attempting to manipulate simple objects (like doorknobs, zippers).
  • Mastery of tools (e.g., large zippers, object manipulation).

Conclusion

  • Motor development shows significant milestones and variability among infants.
  • Experiences and opportunities for practice play a crucial role in developing both gross and fine motor skills, setting a foundation for future capabilities.