Nursery World - A step at a time (2)

Effective planning needs a good understanding of developmental stages To plan effectively and so deliver a developmentally-appropriate curriculum, early years practitioners need to be aware of how children develop physically, and to be clear about the links and differences between 'gross' and 'fine' motor skill development.

To plan effectively and so deliver a developmentally-appropriate curriculum, early years practitioners need to be aware of how children develop physically, and to be clear about the links and differences between 'gross' and 'fine' motor skill development.

Physical development within the early years curriculum covers both gross and fine motor skills. 'Gross motor control' is the term used to describe the development of controlled movements of large muscles in the body or limbs. 'Fine motor control' is used to describe smaller, precise movements of the hands and fingers.

Gross motor development precedes fine motor development. Children's awareness of the trunk and limbs precedes awareness and control of smaller parts of the body. It is important to remember children will only be able to control their hands and feet if they have developed control of their arms and legs.

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