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Learning Tip: Developing Gross Motor Skills

How do children develop gross motor skills? Researchers frequently use what is called a “dynamic systems approach” to describe these evolving abilities in children (and adults!). In simple words, this means that your child’s development is influenced by his physical capabilities, his environment and the demands of the activity in which he’s engaging. An example of this is a young toddler trying to walk across a room with toys scattered on the floor. While he knows how to walk, the environment makes it a bit more difficult and frustrating for him to reach the other side without tripping or swerving. So, he might decide that crawling is a better bet—and reaches the other side successfully. As he gets older and taller and his stride lengthens and balance improves, he will be able to easily walk across that floor, obstacles and all!

 

More on motor skills:
What Is Motor Development?
Developing Fine Motor Skills