Research Korner: Gross Motor Development

Identify the major changes in gross motor development in middle childhood and discuss individual differences in motor performance

Identify the major changes in gross motor development in middle childhood and discuss individual differences in motor performance. Physical and motor development during childhood years is characterized by slow and gradual increments which eventually lead to improvements in gross motor skills as well as fine motor skills. Nevertheless, middle childhood is considered a time of great strides in both gross and fine motor skills. Children, who are mostly in their preschool, experience smoother and more coordinated actions (Steinberg, 2010). For instance, various actions such as running, jumping, hopping and throwing and catching a ball become more refined and executed more efficiently. Children are also able to perform more complex physical activities including biking, skating and swimming among others (Olleindick and Schroeder, 2003). Their reaction time, which refers to the amount of time required to respond to a stimulus, also improves greatly. Nonetheless, there are children who develop faster then there are those who do not (Swartwood and Totter, 2004). These are called the individual differences which may be between a male and a female and among males and females. For example, some children may have better visual acuity which makes coordination and balance to better develop as well (Rathus, 2010). Stamina, flexibility, muscle strength, agility, balance, and hand-eye coordination all improve during this stage. During the middle childhood years, the muscles are growing stronger and the pathways connecting the cerebellum to the cortex are increasingly myelinated. This could be the reasons for these changes all of which impact the physical capability of the children. These result to children who are more eager to participate in group games and other athletic activities in the school and in their communities (Rathus, 2010).   Related articles The Essence and Impacts of Autism Human Development Article Adolescents Development Identify the major changes in gross motor development in middle childhood and discuss individual differences in motor performance. Gross motor development Parents Urged to Track Motor Development Skills at 9,18,30 Months of Age to Detect Delays: AAP Games to Help Kids Reach Motor Milestones Ratings Discovery Exclusive Ann B. Dextrous? Motor Developer Guidelines Urge Doctors to Monitor Children's Motor Development Dexteria- Fine Motor Skill Development Breaking down the Basics: Middle childhood 101

Identify the major changes in gross motor development in middle childhood and discuss individual differences in motor performance

Identify the major changes in gross motor development in middle childhood and discuss individual differences in motor performance. Phys...