Focus Child’s Motor and Self-Help Skills

            Based on my focus child’s Creative Curriculum winter checkpoint assessment both his gross and fine motor skills appear to be age appropriate.  With gross motor skills, I have observed him pedal a tricycle with speed and control.  I have seen him maneuver the tricycle around obstacles with ease.  He can throw, catch, and kick a ball with no problems.  I have observed him show balance by walking along a beam.  He walks, runs, and jumps without falling. 

            When it comes to fine motor development, he can show age appropriate skills if he takes his time and it keeps his focus.  The hardest part is getting him interested and staying engaged in the activity.  He would much prefer to be doing something more active like in the block or dramatic play center.  He can complete difficult puzzles if he wants to.  I do see him get frustrated easily and give up.  He rarely chooses the art center and when it does he only wants to paint.  He likes to write on the marker board and shows great pencil grip when he does.  So with fine motor skills I don’t think it is a lack of skill, I think it is more of a lack of attention and preference.

            He also does very well with self-help skills.  He likes to be independent.  For example he also wants to open his own milk at lunch and juice at breakfast.  He often will assist the friends at his table as well.  When using the bathroom, he is completely independent.  He can put on his coat and zip it with little to no adult assistance.  I think his self-help skills are at or above his age level. 

References:

        Teaching Strategies retrieved from http://www.creativecurriculum.net/