Making Tracks in the Nursery School

In our Nursery School at the ISTCI we are always looking for new and fun ways to work on our fine motor skills. Today we made big strides in our development! We made waffle block tracks and pathways and walked, danced, balanced and hopped along the way. What a great way to develop motor skills!    

What are fine and gross motor skills?

Gross motor skills are used in activities such as running, playing ball and using a sports equipment, while fine motor skills are used to write, cut out a shape, tie up shoelaces and open jars.     Mastery of both sets of skills is important for your child's development as with regular practice they learn to control the major muscle groups to become a healthy, well-rounded child.    

Why are motor skills important?

Mastery of motor movements is a combination of physical growth and developing skills through experience.

Movement can help children develop, not only motorically but emotionally and socially as well. Their well-being can be greatly enhanced if they are given simple foundations in all areas during their early years. These foundations will carry through as they continue to develop and learn at home and at school. Playing interactive games develops social interaction and communication skills while working on motor development.

Davis, K. (1997). The value of movement activities for young children. The Reporter, 2(3), 1-3.

At our Nursery School the children have the opportunity to try out playground equipment, run after a soccer ball, dance and use the musical instruments - it's all about having fun. The skills will develop as they play.     Fun ways to teach these skills include tossing balloons around, putting on some bouncy music for dancing, and blowing bubbles for them to catch. Since gross motor skills involve large movements of the body, developing these skills means your child is moving around and getting exercise. Getting them hooked on physical activity at an early age means they will be more likely to be an active adult, which means a healthier body as they get older.  

More about our Nursery School.