DIRECTIONS: Read the following three scenarios that highlight some characteristics and behaviors of young infants, mobile infants and toddlers when considering physical development, specifically gross- and fine-motor skills. After reading the scenarios, consider all you have learned throughout this lesson. Which characteristics or behaviors would be considered fine-motor skills and which would be considered gross-motor skills? Write these down and then think about possible ways you could support each of these young children.
Young infant (birth to 8 months)
Bobby’s caregiver knows it is important to give him time on his tummy when he is awake. Bobby is four months old. “Tummy time” will help him strengthen his muscles and learn to raise his head and body with his arms to look around. Sometimes his caregiver uses a supportive pillow to put under Bobby’s arms and chest to help support his body so that he can look around and reach for a toy while he is on his tummy.
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Which characteristics or behaviors would be considered fine-motor skills and which are gross-motor skills?
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What can you do to further support physical development?
Mobile infant (8-18 months)
Ms. Kendra is caring for twins and is excited to see which of the 13-month-old twins will walk first. Carrie was quite eager to crawl and enjoys moving around the room to explore. Cindy was more content to sit and play with her toys and started to crawl after Carrie learned. Both girls are pulling themselves up in their cribs. Ms. Kendra is thinking even more about safety in the classroom as she prepares for the new walkers.
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Which characteristics or behaviors would be considered fine-motor skills and which are gross-motor skills?
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What can you do to further support physical development?
Toddler (18-36 months)
Kevin was born six weeks premature and at 25 months of age, he shows some delays in motor development. Kevin works with specialists and Mr. Chapman is his primary caregiver at the center. Mr. Chapman communicates often with Kevin’s family. Kevin enjoys sitting in the library area and playing with puzzles that have large knobs. He works hard at turning and pushing the pieces into place. Kevin claps along with Mr. Chapman to show his delight at completing a puzzle.
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Which characteristics or behaviors would be considered fine-motor skills and which are gross-motor skills?
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What can you do to further support physical development?