Question

Describe the major milestones in motor developemt in early childhood, and explain how this information could be used by parents and teachers.

Answer 1

The major milestones in motor development are fine motor and gross motor skills. Motor development refers to functioning of larger muscles in the body. Generally a toddler begins walking by the age of eighteen months. However, gross motor milestone is when the toddler cannot even stand with support on his own at the age of eighteen months. Fine motor skills involve functioning and usage of smaller muscles, like being able to hold a pencil or pen to draw, being able to use a scissors and etcetera. It is the finer details. The milestone arises when the child is unable to carry out these activities.

However, the toddler must be helped through assistance. A parent or teacher must hold a pen and assist them how to see it. A straight line can be drawn and the toddler would imitate the behaviour learnt. This would encourage the child to repeat desirable behaviour. Adult supervision and constant assistance would help a toddler overcome these milestones.