Chicago Occupational Therapy Presents:

Mastering Motor Skills

In Early Childhood

What Every Parent Should Know About

Motor Skill Development

www. C hicago O ccupational T herapy.com

AVAILABLE ON:
Copyright © 2018 by Karen George, MS, CCC-SLP

All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced in any

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without expressed written permission from the publisher and author.

Additional copies of this guide may be ordered directly through Amazon.com.

For bulk purchases, contact us through our website at:
www.ChicagoOccupationalTherapy.com.

First Edition

Shelly Sears, 1989-

Amanda Cortese, 1990-

Sarah Zaas, 1989-

Rebecca Prosser, 1984-

Title: Chicago Occupational Therapy Presents:

Mastering Motor Skills In Early Childhood
What Every Parent Should Know About Motor Skill Development

Special thanks to the countless people who have contributed to this

work including designers, researchers, fact-checkers, the publisher,
production managers, illustrators, proofreaders, sources, indexers,
and editors.

A special thanks to the entire Chicago Occupational Therapy team

who supported this work.

Printed in the United States of America.

Pediatric Publishing 2018

Pediatric
Publishing
 What Are Motor Skills?
Motor skills involve the coordination between muscles and the nervous
system to create movement. There are two different types of motor
skills: fine motor skills and gross motor skills.

Gross
Motor Skills

Fine
Motor Skills

1
 Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills use the larger muscle groups in the arms and legs
to navigate and complete daily tasks. Gross motor skills provide a solid
foundation for developing the smaller muscles.

These movements are utilized throughout the child’s daily functioning and
are also observed differently in various age groups. These skills are used
when running, climbing, jumping, or walking.

2
 Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills use the smaller motor muscles of the hand and fingers
to complete activities or tasks.

These movements are utilized throughout the child’s daily functioning and
are also observed differently in various age groups. Examples of these
activities are picking up small pieces with fingers, assembling small objects
such as Legos, and writing tasks like handwriting or coloring.

3
 Motor Skill Deficits
It is possible to have deficits in both gross motor and fine motor skills.

Strengthening gross motor skills can be the building blocks for the
development of fine motor skills.

4
 Deficits In Gross Motor Skills
Deficits in gross motor skills may be noted as general clumsiness
and delayed or disorganized coordination.

Examples of these are observed while running, catching a ball, jumping,

pulling or climbing on playground equipment, and more.

5
 Deficits In Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor deficits may be observed by difficulty with grasping
and manipulating small objects or writing utensils.

Indication of fine motor challenges may be evident in observing a child’s

hand shaking, not using adequate strength or grip to hold utensils, poor
handwriting, difficulty with fine strength demands, or avoidance of age-
appropriate activities that require the use of fine motor skills.

6
How Muscle Tone Affects Motor Skills
Muscle tone can also affect a child’s motor skills and development.
Although muscle tone and strength vary, developing a child’s strength
helps compensate for some of the reduced muscle tone.

Muscle tone can be classified as normal,

high (hypertonic), or low (hypotonic).

7
 How Can Occupational Therapy
Help Motor Skills
Occupational therapists typically see many children with muscle tone
challenges and decreased fine motor skill development.

A pediatric occupational therapist assists in a child’s development of

critical skills needed to complete daily activities. This is facilitated by
focusing on key areas, such as motor skills and sensory integration.

8
 MOTOR SKILL MILESTONES

The following pages address the typical ages for motor skill milestones...

9
 By 2 Months, A Child Should...

• Hold up their head independently

Gross
• Push themselves up when lying on their stomach
Motor Skills
• Begin to show more coordination when
moving their arms and legs

10
 By 4 Months, A Child Should...

• Push their legs down when feet are planted

on solid ground

Gross • Roll between their stomach and back

Motor Skills
• Hold their hands to their mouth

• Push up on their elbows when lying on their stomach

Fine
• Hold toys and make movements (shaking, swinging)
Motor Skills

11
 By 6 Months, A Child Should...

• Sit independently (without support from parents)

Gross
Motor Skills • Roll back and forth. Rock back and forth

• Begin to stand and bounce with assistance

12
 By 9 Months, A Child Should...

• Stand up while holding onto a chair or other support

Gross
Motor Skills • Begin to pull themselves up to stand

• Begin to crawl

• Position themselves into a seated position

13
 By 18 Months, A Child Should...

• Simultaneously walk and carry toys

Gross • Walk around on their own

Motor Skills
• Begin climbing stairs

• Begin to run

• Drink independently from a open cup

Fine
• Feed themselves using a spoon
Motor Skills
• Help with undressing

14
 By 24 Months, A Child Should...

• Climb stairs independently using the railing

• Be able to kick a ball

Gross
• Stand on their tiptoes
Motor Skills
• Hop on and off furniture

• Be able to throw a ball (overhand)

Fine
• Be able to copy simple lines
Motor Skills (e.g. horizontal, vertical, or circular)

15
 By 36 Months, A Child Should...

• Ride a tricycle without assistance

Gross • Climb stairs independently placing just
Motor Skills one foot per step

• Climb and run with ease

16
 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD
IMPROVE MOTOR SKILLS

The following pages address ways to help your child build their motor skills...

17
 Ways Parents Can Help Children
Build Fine Motor Skills At Home

Create
Com
shape pu plete
s
n Trace lines & w it h play
zzl
es
ctio
st r u
shapes with dough
u t con r with ors
C e a pencil Pinch
pap fe sciss
d-s
a tweez
chil ers t
Pick up pick u o
p
h marble s & tiny o
Practice wit bjects
buttons & beads
zippers Use a
ith
Build Play w ers children’s
with lean
Tear & pipe c clips se wing or
Lego er
fold & pap knitting kit
blocks paper

There are many play-based activities that help children build fine motor
skills, so your child will not even feel like they are doing “work!”

18
 Ways Parents Can Help Children
Build Gross Motor Skills At Home
Stand
on
one fo
ot
(then
n c e Shoot baskets the
ala on a children’s other!
a b am )
o n
r be
basketball Practi
nd c
Sta ard o
bo
hoop
walkin e
g
Do “Crab walk” a stra in
yoga Jump or ig
poses
back & f o r th “bear crawl” line
over a li n e
Jump Climb on
Ride forth
a tricycle Play back & line jungle gyms
hopscotch over a

Many games involve the use of gross motor skills, so your child will not
even realize that they are working on their therapy goals!

19
 The Role Of Parents
In Occupational Therapy
Throughout the course of pediatric occupational therapy, involvement from
parents is a large factor in a child’s progress. Pediatric occupational
therapists frequently provide in-home practice.

While a child can make great gains in their sessions with the occupational
therapist, it is critical for parents to also reinforce those skills through
in-home practice. This additional time will truly help the child to progress.

20
When Should I Seek Help For My Child?
The age at which children reach motor skill milestones depends on a
variety of factors. Make sure you are giving your child an opportunity to
complete activities on their own to foster a sense of independence.

If you have concerns about your child’s motor skill development, speak
with your child’s pediatrician about receiving a referral to a pediatric
occupational therapist.

21
 What Are The Next Steps
For My Child?
Do you think your child could benefit from pediatric occupational therapy?

Contact our office to receive more information and

learn about next steps with Chicago Occupational Therapy.
Our team provides a wide range of services for children in the Chicago area!

(773) 980-0300
www.ChicagoOccupationalTherapy.com
 References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Developmental Milestones.”
Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/
About Chicago Occupational Therapy
Welcome to in-home pediatric occupational therapy in Chicago. Our top-tier team consists of pediatric
occupational therapists who are passionate and eager. Comprehensive, services are provided for infants, toddlers,
and children. The team at Chicago Occupational Therapy are ready to help your child reach their goals and unlock
their potential.

About Shelly Sears, MS, OTR/L

Shelly earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Western Michigan University. Shelly
always knew that she wanted to work with children, which led her to pursue a Master’s in
Occupational Therapy with a pediatric concentration. She has extensive clinical experience working
with a range of different populations, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing
disorder, trauma, and more.

About Amanda Cortese, MS, OTR/L

Amanda Cortese is a Chicago-based occupational therapist who specializes in pediatric services.
Before moving to the city, Amanda earned her Bachelor’s degree with high distinction from Indiana
University. She then went on to pursue her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Indiana
University. In her years of pediatric experience, Amanda has worked with children with autism
spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral
palsy, coordination disorders, fine and gross motor delays, executive functioning deficits, and more.

About Sarah Zaas, MS, OTR/L

Sarah Zaas is a Chicago-based occupational therapist who specializes in working with pediatric
populations in the school, home, clinic, and medical settings. Before moving to Chicago to begin her
career in the field, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her Master’s
degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Sarah has extensive experience working with
children with autism spectrum disorder.

About Rebecca Prosser, MS, OTR/L

Rebecca Prosser is a California native who recently relocated to Chicago. After earning her
Bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University in Early Childhood Education, she taught
preschool for several years before returning to school. After graduating from California State
Dominguez Hills with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, she combined her love of
education and working with children and families and began her career as a pediatric
occupational therapist.

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