Children's fine and gross motor skills develop as their bodies grow and change. Motor skills involve the brain and nervous system, as well as the muscles. Fine motor skills utilize small muscle groups such as the hands, and control activities such as writing and building with blocks. Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups such as the legs, and control a range of movements including walking, bike riding and throwing.
Infants
Infants grow quickly during the first year of life, doubling their birth weight by about 5 months and tripling it by their first birthday. In utero, a baby's physical development begins at the head and neck, progressing downward to the core and extremities over a span of several months. After birth, gross motor skill acquisition follows a similar pattern. By 4 months, he can keep his head raised; by 6 months, his core muscles allow him to sit upright unaided; and by 1 year, he can walk with assistance.
Toddlers
By about 18 months, most toddlers can walk unaided. Other hallmark gross motor skills include pushing and pulling objects, climbing, walking backward and running by about 2 years old. By age 3, the toddler jumps, runs frequently and can kick, throw and catch objects. At this age, most toddlers are physically ready to begin potty training.
Many of the fine motor skills developed during the toddler years aid in school readiness. Toddlers progress from wild scribbling at about 18 months to simple line drawing by 3 years. By this agee, the average toddler can paint with a brush, turn pages in a book, unwrap objects and work a zipper.
Young Children
When children reach preschool and kindergarten age, their bodies begin to take on adult-like proportions. The body and head have a more balanced appearance. Fine motor skills involving grasping improve so that a child can write with a pencil and use scissors by age 5. Vision fully matures by about age 7, which allows for further improvement in fine motor skills. This leads to greater proficiency in physical activities such as throwing and catching a ball.
Preadolescents
Until the onset of puberty, children gain about 7 lbs. in weight and 2 to 3 inches in height per year; this growth often occurs in spurts. Body fat percentage increases in preparation for puberty, particularly in girls. By age 12, most children have all their adult teeth.
During the preadolescent years of middle childhood, balance improves and reaction time quickens, allowing children to engage in complex physical activities such as football and basketball.
Adolescents
Adolescence marks a period of significant physical change for children. Boys experience changes in voice and facial hair growth. Girls reach menarche, their first menstrual period. Both sexes grow pubic and underarm hair. They experience an increase in sweat, which may lead to body odor, as well as increased facial oil production and possibly acne. Height and weight growth spurts may result in uncoordinated, or clumsy, phases. Most children complete adolescent changes by ages 18 to 20.
References
- Baby Center: What's the Difference Between Fine and Gross Motor Skills?
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Newborns and Infants -- Physical Development
- MedlinePlus: Infant -- Newborn Development
- Parenting: Toddler Development Milestones
- Child Care Council Oakland County: Infant & Toddler Development and Growth
- Bright Futures: Early Childhood -- 1 to 4 Years
