Study Unit 2: Part 2 (HMSC 112) Developmental Phases

Overview of Developmental Phases

Motor development is a complex process characterized by sequential phases that manifest as individuals grow and refine their physical skills. Understanding these phases allows educators, coaches, and caregivers to facilitate motor skill acquisition effectively.

Phases and Stages of Motor Development:

1. Reflexive Movement Phase

2. Rudimentary Movement Phase (First Movement Phase)

3. Fundamental Movement Phase

4. Sport-Focused Skills

5. Specialized Phase

6. Specific Phase

7. Transitional Phase (Ages 14 and up)

Age Periods of Development

The following outline presents the age ranges for each of the primary phases of motor development:

• Transitional Phase: 14 years and older

• Specialized Phase: 11 to 13 years

• Sport-Focused Skills: 7 to 10 years

• Fundamental Movement Phase: 6 to 7 years

• Rudimentary Movement Phase: 4 to 5 years

• Pre-Control Phase: 2 to 3 years

• Reflex Inhibition Phase: 1 to 2 years

• Information Decoding Phase: 4 months to 1 year

• Reflexive Movement Phase: Birth to 1 year

• Information Encoding Phase: Utero to 4 months

Phases of Motor Development

1. Reflexive Movement Phase:

• Development Period: From fetal stage (prenatal) until shortly after birth.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Senses are prepared to function effectively as they transition from the womb to the external environment.

  • An innate need to move is observed, serving as a foundation for further motor skill development.

Reflexes:

• These are orderly, structured responses crucial for later learning.

• Primitive Reflexes: Serve as the basis for subsequent motor learning and adaptation.

• Key Primitive Reflexes:

  • Glabellar Reflex: A blink response elicited by gentle tapping above the nasal bridge, indicating sensory processing.

  • Snout Reflex: Pouting of lips caused by light touch on closed lips, showcasing early facial muscle coordination.

  • Rooting Reflex: A response where the child turns head and mouth towards a finger when cheeks are stroked, facilitating feeding behaviour.

  • Sucking Reflex: An instinctive sucking response to any stimulus in the mouth, common among mammals, vital for nourishment.

Developmental Actions in the Reflexive Movement Phase:

Developmental activities within this phase include key milestones that mark progressing motor capabilities:

• Rolling Over: Milestone 1

• Sitting Up: Milestone 2

• Crawling: Milestone 3

• Standing Up: Milestone 4

Individual Developmental Differences

Motor development can vary significantly across individuals.

• Progressive Activities: Reflect individual developmental levels, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accommodating variations in motor skills acquisition among different individuals. This recognition ensures that each child receives appropriate support tailored to their developmental stage, fostering confidence and proficiency in their motor abilities.