1.2 Explain the development of movement skills in young children and how these skills affect other aspects of development

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain the development of movement skills in young children and how these skills affect other aspects of development.

Movement skills in young children develop in stages, starting from birth and continuing through early childhood. These skills form the foundation for many areas of child development. They can be divided into gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups. Fine motor skills involve small muscles, especially in the hands and fingers.

Gross motor skills are linked to actions like running, jumping, climbing and balancing. Fine motor skills are linked to actions like drawing, writing, threading beads and fastening buttons.

Young children gain movement skills through active play, daily routines and learning opportunities. These skills grow with practice and repetition. Development may vary between children, as some progress faster or slower depending on health, environment, and practice.

Gross Motor Skills Development

Gross motor skills begin with basic control over the body’s posture and movement. At birth, reflexes dominate movement. Over time, these reflexes become voluntary actions.

Stages for gross motor development include:

• Infancy – Newborn babies move arms and legs randomly. Reflexes like the rooting reflex and grasp reflex are strongest. Babies learn to hold their head up, roll over, and sit with support.
• 6 to 12 months – Babies begin crawling, pulling themselves up and possibly cruising along furniture. Early attempts at walking may occur.
• 1 to 2 years – Toddlers learn to walk independently. They start to run, climb stairs (often with help), and throw simple objects.
• 2 to 3 years – More control develops. Children can kick a ball, climb without much support, and jump with both feet.
• 3 to 5 years – Pre-school children can walk on tiptoe, hop on one foot, ride scooters or tricycles, and show better balance. They can coordinate movements in games and activities.

Gross motor skills grow through practice, play, and encouragement. Outdoor spaces are especially helpful, allowing children to test and strengthen muscles.

Fine Motor Skills Development

Fine motor skills focus on precise movements of the hands and fingers. They develop alongside gross motor control. These skills help children perform self-care tasks and take part in creative activities.

Stages for fine motor development include:

• Infancy – Newborns have a grasp reflex. Around 3 months, they can hold objects briefly. At 6 months, they reach out to grab deliberately.
• 6 to 12 months – Babies pick up objects using a palmar grasp (whole hand). Towards the end of this stage, they may use a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger).
• 1 to 2 years – Toddlers can feed themselves with a spoon, build towers of blocks, and scribble on paper.
• 2 to 3 years – Children can turn pages, thread large beads, and copy simple shapes.
• 3 to 5 years – They can cut with safety scissors, draw recognisable pictures, dress themselves with basic fastenings, and write some letters.

Fine motor skills improve through activities like drawing, painting, puzzles and building models.

How Movement Skills Affect Physical Development

Physical development is directly influenced by movement skills. As gross motor skills improve, children gain better muscle strength, coordination and stamina. This helps them take part in active games and sports.

Fine motor skills allow children to handle tools, such as pencils, paintbrushes and cutlery. This boosts independence in daily life.

Regular movement helps with healthy growth, bone strength, and flexibility. Children who practise movement skills strengthen their heart, lungs, and overall fitness.

Impact on Cognitive Development

Movement skills contribute to cognitive development. Cognitive skills involve thinking, problem solving and memory. For example, navigating a climbing frame requires planning and spatial awareness. Playing ball games develops understanding of cause and effect.

Fine motor tasks like threading beads or building with blocks can improve concentration, sequencing, and early mathematical skills through pattern recognition and counting.

Active play stimulates brain growth through sensory feedback. This means that children learn about their environment by touching, moving, and experiencing different textures and spaces.

Influence on Social and Emotional Development

Movement skills support social and emotional growth. Active play often takes place in groups. This helps children learn turn-taking, sharing, and cooperation.

Playing games encourages communication skills. Children learn to express ideas, listen to others, and solve disagreements.

Confidence grows as children master new movements. Achieving physical skills, such as riding a bike, can make children feel proud and increase resilience.

Group activities such as team sports or dance help children connect with peers and strengthen friendships.

Effect on Communication and Language Development

Physical activities create opportunities for conversation. Games involve instructions, questions and responses. This helps children learn new words and practise comprehension.

Fine motor skills support language development in another way. Writing and drawing require hand control. This gives children the tools to express thoughts on paper. Physical gestures and signs are also part of communication. Children learn to use hand movements to support speech.

Link Between Movement Skills and Independence

As movement skills develop, children gain independence in self-care tasks. Gross motor skills allow them to walk to different rooms, climb stairs, and get their own toys. Fine motor skills allow them to feed themselves, wash hands, and dress without help.

Independence improves confidence and reduces reliance on adults. This supports emotional maturity and prepares children for school routines.

Factors Affecting Movement Skills

Many factors influence the rate and quality of movement skill development:

• Health and nutrition – Proper nutrition supports muscle and bone growth. Illness or disability can slow development.
• Opportunities for practice – Access to safe play spaces and resources boosts skill growth.
• Parental support – Encouragement and guidance help children try new movements.
• Cultural expectations – Some activities and milestones are prioritised differently in various communities.
• Early education – Nursery and pre-school environments encourage physical and fine motor activities.

Workers should observe children closely to understand their abilities and provide opportunities suited to each child’s stage.

Supporting Movement Skills in Practice

Effective ways to support the growth of gross and fine motor skills include:

• Providing climbing equipment, tricycles, and balls for gross motor practice
• Encouraging drawing, painting, and threading beads for fine motor practice
• Offering varied activities both indoors and outdoors
• Creating safe environments to reduce risk during active play
• Giving clear instructions and encouragement
• Allowing free play as well as guided exercises

Structured activities such as dancing, yoga for children, or gym sessions can help children explore different kinds of movement.

Observing and Recording Progress

Observation is important in the workplace. Workers should watch children as they play to identify movement skills achieved and skills still developing.

Recording progress helps track growth and provides information for parents and other professionals. Notes should include examples of specific movements, such as “child can hop on one foot for three seconds” or “child can use pincer grasp to pick up small objects.”

Accurate records allow interventions where needed and reassure parents about their child’s progress.

Early Intervention

Some children may show slower progress in movement skills. Early intervention can support them and prevent difficulties later. This may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or specialist programs to strengthen muscles and coordination.

Workers should discuss any concerns with parents and health professionals. Identifying needs early improves outcomes.

Encouraging Inclusive Practice

Children of all abilities should be encouraged to take part in physical activities. This builds skills and social inclusion. Adaptations may include specialised equipment or alternative activities that achieve similar goals.

Inclusion benefits all children, promoting acceptance and understanding.

Final Thoughts

Movement skills in young children form the basis for much of their learning and development. Physical abilities interact with cognitive, social, emotional, and communication growth. By supporting gross and fine motor skills, workers help children gain confidence, learn more easily, and develop independence.

Early years settings, parents and carers play a key role in providing opportunities for active play and skill practice. When children build strong movement skills, they are better equipped for school and life. Continuous observation, encouragement, and adaptation in practice can make a lasting difference to a child’s development path.