WHAT ARE GROSS MOTOR SKILLS ?

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS DEFINED

Motor skills are defined as movement skills, and gross motor skills are defined as large movement skills.  This means that the large movement skills not only are big in size, but they also use large muscles in the body.  Usually these skills result in locomotion, coordinated movement of the whole body which travels across the floor.  A baby milestone is the average age at which a baby acquires a particular motor skill, which pediatricians monitor during baby’s first year.  Examples of gross motor skills in babies include:

• kicking
• lifting the head
• rolling
• belly crawling
• crawling
• standing
• cruising
• walking

Excellent gross motor skill development results in the abilities to maintain balance,  move with coordination, sit in class with alertness, and master mechanical control of a pencil for handwriting.  On the other hand, a child with poor motor skills may be perceived as clumsy since he has difficulty with balance and coordination, essential components of movement activities.

Read stellarcaterpillar.com and learn how to guide your baby to master the milestones for skilled gross motor development, giving him a great start!