Understanding Motor Skills Development in Children
Motor Skills
The development of motor skills is a long and complicated process. At birth, a child’s rudimentary movements are limited due to their developing structural and functional capabilities. They lack demonstrable general motor patterns and the ability to combine simple movements into more complex ones. The pace of progress in motor development is influenced by the interplay of maturation, learning, and external factors.
Basic Motor Skills
Basic motor skills are fundamental motor activities that form the foundation for more advanced skills, including those used in sports. Examples of gross motor activities considered basic skills include running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking a ball, climbing, jumping rope, and sprinting. It’s important to note that the mature motor pattern of a basic skill is not directly tied to age.
Classification of Basic Motor Skills
According to Physical Education:
- Locomotion
- Non-Locomotion
- Projection/Reception
According to Motor Function:
- Movement
- Balance
- Handling
Locomotion
Locomotion skills involve movement from one place to another. Examples include:
- Walking
- Running
- Jumping and jump variations
- Galloping
- Sliding
- Rolling
- Standing
- Throwing
- Dodging
- Falling
- Climbing up and down
Non-Locomotion
Non-locomotion skills focus on body control and manipulation in a stationary position. Examples include:
- Balance
- Bending
- Stretching
- Turning
- Twisting
- Pushing
- Lifting
- Pulling
- Hanging
Projection/Reception
Projection/reception skills involve manipulating objects through throwing, catching, and striking. Examples include:
- Receptions
- Throwing
- Hitting
- Catching
- Shooting
- Dribbling
Locomotion in Detail
Walking
Walking is a natural form of vertical locomotion characterized by the alternating and progressive movement of the legs while maintaining continuous contact with the ground.
Running
Running is a natural extension of walking, distinguished by the presence of an ‘air phase’ where both feet are off the ground.
Jumping
Jumping involves propelling the body into the air using one or both legs and landing on one or both feet. It requires coordination, strength, and balance.
Non-Locomotion in Detail
Balance
Balance is a crucial motor skill that develops with age and is closely linked to the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). Factors such as base of support, center of gravity, and the stability of the base can influence the difficulty of balance tasks.
Projection/Reception in Detail
Throwing
Throwing involves propelling an object with accuracy, distance, and speed. Children develop various throwing techniques, including overhand, underhand, and sidearm throws.
Catching
Catching involves using one or both hands and/or other body parts to stop and control an object in motion. The mature form typically involves using both hands.
Hitting/Striking
Hitting involves swinging the arms or other body parts to strike an object. This can be done with various body parts and implements, such as bats, rackets, and sticks.
Kicking
Kicking is a specific type of hitting where the foot is used to strike a ball. It requires balance and coordination.
Notion of the Body
Concept of Body
The body is our primary means of interacting with the world around us. (Conte and Vinciane)
Body Awareness
Body awareness encompasses the perception of our physicality, influenced by social, historical, affective, cultural, and environmental factors.
Body Schema (Quantitative)
Body schema refers to the adaptation between our bone structure and muscular tension, enabling global and segmental perception of the body.
Body Image (Qualitative)
Body image is a subjective understanding of our physical appearance, influenced by personal perceptions and societal standards.
Body Consciousness
Body consciousness is the awareness of our body as a result of the continuous interplay between body schema and body image. It involves understanding our physical capabilities and limitations.
Development of Body Awareness
Piaget and Le Boulch have outlined stages in the development of body awareness. During primary education (ages 6-12), children develop a mental representation of their body, consolidating the various components of their perceptual field.
Stage of Primary Education (6-12)
This stage is crucial for developing a mental representation and operational understanding of the body. Children solidify their body schema and develop a more comprehensive understanding of their physical capabilities.