Read the following scenarios that highlight some characteristics and behaviors of young infants, mobile infants, and toddlers when considering physical development, specifically gross and fine motor skills. After reading the scenarios, consider all you have learned throughout this lesson.

Which characteristics or behaviors would be considered fine motor skills and which would be considered gross motor skills? Write these down and then think about possible ways you could support each of these young children. Be sure to add ideas as you complete the remaining lessons and learn even more about the physical development of infants and toddlers. Share your responses with your coach, trainer, or family child care administrator.

1. Young infant (birth to 8 months)

   Bobby’s provider knows it is important to give him time on his tummy when he is awake. Bobby is four months old. “Tummy time” will help him strengthen his muscles and learn to raise his head and body with his arms to look around. Sometimes his provider uses a supportive pillow to put under Bobby’s arms and chest to help support his body so that he can look around and reach for a toy while he is on his tummy.

    

2. Mobile infant (8 months to 18 months)

   Ms. Kendra, a family child care provider, is caring for twins. She is excited to see which of the 13-month-old twins will walk first. Carrie was quite eager to crawl and enjoys moving around the room to explore. Cindy was more content to sit and play with her toys and started to crawl after Carrie learned. Both girls are pulling themselves up in their cribs. Ms. Kendra is thinking even more about child proofing areas in her home as she prepares for the new walkers.

    

3. Toddler (18 to 36 months)

   Deondre was born six weeks premature and at 25 months of age, he shows some delays in motor development. Deondre’s parents are working with specialists to help facilitate his motor development. Deondre enjoys sitting on the floor while looking at books and playing with puzzles that have large knobs. He works hard at turning and pushing the pieces into place. Deondre claps along with his family child care provider to show his delight at completing a puzzle.