The Link between Motor Skills & Social Development in Children
Welcome back to our blog!
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of motor skills and the link to social skill development of children. From navigating social interactions to fostering independence, motor skills play a crucial role in every aspect of a child’s life. Let’s explore how enhancing motor skills can positively impact social development in children with additional & different needs.
Understanding Motor Skills
First, let’s break down what we mean by motor skills. Motor skills encompass both fine and gross motor abilities, which involve the coordination of muscles to perform various tasks. Fine motor skills involve; precise movements of the hands, fingers, and wrists, such as grasping objects or writing. Gross motor skills involve larger movements of the arms, legs, and torso, such as walking or jumping.
The Link Between Motor Skills and Social Development
Research has shown that motor skills are closely linked to social development in children. As children develop and refine their motor skills; they gain the confidence and competence to engage in social interactions with their peers. A recent population-based study conducted by Oksendal et al. (2020), found associations between poor gross and fine motor skills in preschool-age children and peer victimization concurrently and longitudinally. This study highlights the importance of addressing motor skill difficulties early on to prevent social challenges later in life.
Enhancing Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are particularly important for tasks that require precision and dexterity, such as holding a pencil, buttoning a shirt, or tying shoelaces. For children with additional & different needs, fine motor difficulties can hinder their ability to participate fully in activities both at home and in school. Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in helping children develop and refine their fine motor skills through targeted interventions and activities.
Improving Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are essential for activities that involve movement and coordination, such as running, jumping, and playing sports. Children with different needs may face challenges in developing gross motor skills due to factors such as muscle weakness, coordination issues, or balance difficulties. Physical and Occupational Therapists work with children to improve their gross motor skills through exercises, games, and activities. Typically these activities have a focus on strength, balance, and coordination.
Promoting Social Engagement
By enhancing both fine and gross motor skills, children with different needs can build confidence and abilities they need to engage more fully in social interactions. Whether it’s participating in group activities, playing with peers on the playground, or expressing themselves through art and crafts; improved motor skills open up new opportunities for social engagement and connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, motor skills play a vital role in the social development of children with additional & different needs. By focusing on enhancing both fine and gross motor skills, parents and allied health professionals can empower children to navigate social interactions with confidence and independence.
This was an interesting reflection for me, to see the evidence linking and clearly showing this link was a HUGE – light bulb moment!
References:
- Oksendal, K., Valla, L., & Ullebø, A. K. (2020). Associations between poor gross and fine motor skills in preschool age children and peer victimisation concurrently and longitudinally with follow up in school age – results from population based study. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 41(1), 29-36. [DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000777]
- Adolph KE, Franchak JM. The development of motor behavior. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci. 2017 Jan;8(1-2):10.1002/wcs.1430. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1430. Epub 2016 Dec 1. PMID: 27906517; PMCID: PMC5182199.
- Kirby A, Sugden DA. Children with developmental coordination disorders. J R Soc Med. 2007 Apr;100(4):182-6. doi: 10.1177/014107680710011414. PMID: 17404341; PMCID: PMC1847727.