All About Fine And Broad Motor Skills
As our children grow and develop, we find ourselves marveling at each gesture, each sound they make, with their mobility. It surprises us to see that, as time goes by, our child interacts with everything around him, acquiring new skills and showing his ability to move.
But what is this thing of motricity about? To understand more about the subject, first it is necessary to know exactly what motricity, or motor coordination, is the capacity that all human beings have to dominate their own body.
Motricity in children develops through two important processes: experiences and learning. Now that we know what motricity is, let’s talk about the two existing types: fine and gross.
Differences between fine and gross motor skills
By gross motor skills, we understand the body’s ability to make larger movements, such as crawling, jumping, walking or running. In babies, gross motor skills develop first. The child acquires the ability to move his body harmoniously, increasing his agility, strength and speed in each of his movements.
The evolution of each of these abilities varies, as not all children are the same. Influencing factors are genetics, the stimuli received and your temperament. But they usually follow this progression: neck, torso, hips, and finally legs.
On the other hand, fine motor skills are defined through the small and precise movements that our child performs with his fingers and toes, as well as his face. When your little one is able to perform activities that require a good dose of strength, such as drawing, writing, knotting, cutting, making faces and even playing an instrument, it is because he has developed fine motor skills.
After the breastfeeding period ends, this is when your child will begin to develop this kind of skill. The first stage of your life will serve as the foundation and kick-off to develop each of the physical actions that require greater detail.
How to enhance your child’s gross motor skills?
- Dance together. Look for a space to dance with your child. Invite him to move to the rhythm of different melodies, try from the slowest to the most agitated.
- Teach him to identify the parts of the human body. Help him to know every part of himself. Create a game to recognize and point your head, nose, eyes, mouth, belly.
- Take him to the park. In these spaces there are numerous activities that can be done, from running and jumping to socializing with children of the same age.
- Play ball. Ideally, the ball is not too heavy. A bladder might be better. Try to throw it and move around to pick it up.
- Imitate the sounds of animals. Try to imitate what the dog, the cow, the cat do. Practice these sounds with your child in different pitches, lows and highs.
- Go up and down stairs. This will allow you to better coordinate your movements and be more independent.
- It is forbidden to step on the lines. As they walk together, ask your child to try not to step on the lines found on some floors and tiles.
Activities to strengthen fine motor skills
Some activities to strengthen fine motor skills in children are as follows:
- Hands-on. When they’re in the kitchen, ask him to join in and do something with his hands, like moving food. Organize a cookie-making afternoon in which your child does the mixing task.
- Build something together. Whether it’s a house with building blocks or a tower, try to see who can build the tallest structure.
- Eat alone. Give him a set of cutlery so he can sit and eat alone. At first it may seem like a disaster, but gradually you will be able to do it more easily.
- Dress up yourself. It is possible that you need your help at the beginning. Pull on your shirt sleeves and let him do the rest.
- Draw and color. Give him a pencil and paper. In time, he will learn how to best hold them with his hands.
- Interactive games. Allow him to manipulate objects he can interact with and practice activities like filling, buttoning and pasting.
- Painting with feet. In addition to being fun, painting with your toes will strengthen your lower extremities.
Motricity plays an important role in your child’s life. Strengthening your skills will help your little one to develop better emotionally and socially.
However, it is essential that you do not pressure him. Each one develops at its own pace. Give it time and move with it.
