Poor fine motor skills can negatively impact children ages 3-5 in important ways. Fine motor skills allow children to interact with and learn about the world, and are precursors to early literacy, numeracy, and self-care abilities. Factors like genetic predispositions, environmental influences like prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol, and lack of engaging activities can cause delays. Children with poor fine motor skills may struggle with tasks their peers find easy and can experience lowered self-esteem and frustration as a result. Educators must provide supportive environments, targeted activities, patience and encouragement to help all children develop these essential skills.
Cognitive development of the preschoolersBSEPhySci14
Early Childhood(Preschooler)
"Childhood is a world of miracle and wonder; as if creation rose,bathed in light, out of darkness, utterly new, fresh and astonishing.the end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us. when the world seems familiar, when one got used to existence, one has become an adult''
ABS-CBN Memories with Zab Ademarrab and 6 others.
September 18 at 9:45pm ·
PINOY MANO-MANO: Celebrity Boxing Challenge (2007-2008).
Hosted By Cesar Montano & Bayani Agbayani
Cognitive development of the preschoolersBSEPhySci14
Early Childhood(Preschooler)
"Childhood is a world of miracle and wonder; as if creation rose,bathed in light, out of darkness, utterly new, fresh and astonishing.the end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us. when the world seems familiar, when one got used to existence, one has become an adult''
ABS-CBN Memories with Zab Ademarrab and 6 others.
September 18 at 9:45pm ·
PINOY MANO-MANO: Celebrity Boxing Challenge (2007-2008).
Hosted By Cesar Montano & Bayani Agbayani
This powerpoint is about one of the theories of development a future educator should know -- the theory of Moral Development by Lawrence Kohlberg. The theory has six levels and each of which were given examples. Hope you like it! :)
This presentation provides a brief overview of early brain development with links made to early years practice. Questions are included to help practitioners reflect on their role in helping to positively influence early brain development.
The information contained in these slides was shared during NAEYC's 2016 Institute for Professional Development conference held in Baltimore, Maryland June 5-8, 2016. These slides consolidate much of the early intervention information shared by SFL's Director of Early Childhood Education Initiatives, Kamna Seth, and Senior Manager, Gauri Shirali-Deo. The topic presented, Understanding Early Intervention: Reflecting on the Scope, Need for Early Diagnosis, and Implementation of Early Intervention, underscores the importance of identifying developmental delays and developing educational strategies to address the needs of diverse learners.
EPC и EPCM контракты в строительстве. Практический опыт
Рустем Исмагилов
Начальник отдела проектирования инфраструктуры
ООО «Акрил Салават»
23 апреля 2015
This powerpoint is about one of the theories of development a future educator should know -- the theory of Moral Development by Lawrence Kohlberg. The theory has six levels and each of which were given examples. Hope you like it! :)
This presentation provides a brief overview of early brain development with links made to early years practice. Questions are included to help practitioners reflect on their role in helping to positively influence early brain development.
The information contained in these slides was shared during NAEYC's 2016 Institute for Professional Development conference held in Baltimore, Maryland June 5-8, 2016. These slides consolidate much of the early intervention information shared by SFL's Director of Early Childhood Education Initiatives, Kamna Seth, and Senior Manager, Gauri Shirali-Deo. The topic presented, Understanding Early Intervention: Reflecting on the Scope, Need for Early Diagnosis, and Implementation of Early Intervention, underscores the importance of identifying developmental delays and developing educational strategies to address the needs of diverse learners.
EPC и EPCM контракты в строительстве. Практический опыт
Рустем Исмагилов
Начальник отдела проектирования инфраструктуры
ООО «Акрил Салават»
23 апреля 2015
This presentation is created to be used in an on-line teaching course of Southeast Asian Studies. This course is offered only to a group of wonderful students of Lodi High School, Wisconsin, USA.
Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) can help children who are experiencing developmental delays. To facilitate and promote engagement in daily life and activities, OT collaborates with the child's parents, teachers, and carers. To know more Visit now!
EEC4910
Early Childhood Education Leadership Capstone
Module Course Project-Early Childhood Trends Talking Points
11/18/2018
Author Note
This paper is being submitted on 11/18/2018, for Doreen Anzalone’s EEC4910 Section 02 Early Childhood Education Leadership Capstone
Health
MENTAL HEALTH
In Early Childhood classrooms there is a lot of things that help keep it running smoothly. However, a lot of people that have never worked in a classroom do not realize how important the overall health of children is to assuring that the classroom is being as effective as it should be.
2
Tips to Promote Children’s Mental Health
Show children self-care methods
Foster a positive self-view
Model healthy habits
Looking on the Brightside- teaching hope and determination.
Teach and model self-reflection
Teach acceptance of change
Make connections- model friendship skills and abilities
Teach and promote empathy by modeling empathy behaviors
Have a consistent yet flexible schedule. Routines are great but strict schedules can be overwhelming and stressful.
Take a break together, spend some down time just playing and enjoying each other company.
A toddler’s relationships with parents and caregivers help shape who they are, their personalities, and their understanding of the world around them. These trusted adults lay the foundation for further social and emotional development and skills. The secure relationships toddlers form with trusted adults, provides them with a sense of safety. This sense of safety and trust allows them to confidently explore and discover new objects and places. When toddlers feel safe they are more alert, and more likely play, observe, interact and experiment with people and objects. With nurturing and trusting relationships toddler’s brains mature through interactions. They learn that they are safe when conflict arises because adults are responsive to their needs. These relationships teach toddlers how to form other relationships, respond to challenges, and communicate with others. They also teach toddlers how to recognize and respond to emotional cues, and how to regulate and react to their own emotions
3
Overall Growth of Children
Developmental Milestones outline the skills are abilities that most children should acquire during these Windows of Opportunities and throughout their development. It is important to keep in mind that all children develop at varying rates throughout their development, but it is also important to watch for red flags and significant delays. Developmental Milestones are helpful in tracking toddlers progress and determining whether they need early intervention. Early intervention services are vital in toddlers. Many times, early intervention services can help reduces delays and the effect disabilities may have on a child’s success in school and later in life.
4
Typical Milestones of a Toddler
Physical Development
Enjoy physical activities (running, kicking, climbing) .
What did you find most interesting regarding the health issue ea.docxberthacarradice
What did you find most interesting regarding the health issue each learner selected? one paragraph each post
Desiree post
Skeletal growth along with brain development, grow rapidly during early childhood. Although it can vary from culture to culture, the fact remains that there will be undeniably a growth spurt in physical and mental development. Skeletal growth is what is the most obvious during development. We notice the physical changes of children getting taller, thinner, baby teeth falling out and even facial maturity. Brain development is noticeable over a period of time. Memory, language, attention, and coordination can all be indicators of mental development.
Asthma is said to be the most chronic disease in child development. It is defined as “a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath” (Clinic, 2016). Factors that have a major influence on asthma are pre and post birth smoking environments. Another factor that grossly effects asthma is air pollution. “Air pollutions exposure before 2-3 years of age appear most important for asthma development” (Nina Clark, 2010). Although there is no cure for asthma, nebulizers and inhalers are used to keep it under control. This health issue is so important to me because my husband suffers from severe asthma, and I worry that it will be passed down to our young daughters.
LaRoya post
During the preschool age, children learn how to regulator their physical development and movement patterns through physical activities & play. Gross motor skills are essential for running jumping and throwing throwing. Gross motor skills develop faster than fine motor development skills, which progress at a slower pace during this age range. Physical activities that develop and nurture preschoolers' coordination, fine motor skills and gross motor skills will benefit them to progress physically and it may also increase their interactions and performance times with one another. Educating children about having a healthy lifestyle and encouraging a positive body image is critically imperative at this age. The most vital way for parents to assist children in developing a lifestyle of healthy attitudes and behaviors towards food and exercise is to train, to demonstrate, and to encourage correct eating and activity patterns. It is also imperative to continue to deliver children with love and nurturing that builds string, positive self - images based on attributes other than appearance is important as well.
It is extremely important for child's health development to be assessed and observed. This is the period in which young children reach their developmental milestones emotional, cognitive and motor skills. During this time young children are at risk of many health conditions, one that is extremely known is obesity. Childhood obesity raise the risk for cardiovascular disease and can ...
So. Yes. I am aware that this is done not up to my current standards but this was for a business subject I did back in high school. I can't believe almost five years have passed now...I can see growth :)
A bit different from my usual uploads. But say what. Pretty basic explanations and points. Did this for a course on educational technology a while back.
This is the basic lesson (or activity) plan template that I used at the University of Trinidad and Tobago whilst doing my Bachelor's Degree in ECCE. However, I guess different templates exist for different countries and cultures right?
A Child Study on Social Interaction: Observation, Documentation, and Assessme...Christina Sookdeo
Basically a child study my group member and I did during our Practicum experience in an early childhood care and education centre. It includes anecdotes of events that happened with the child in concern and also recommendations of what can be done to improve his social skills.
Includes:
Topic, developmental level and rationale
Thematic web
Main Ideas
General Objectives
Previous Knowledge
Theoretical Underpinnings
Curriculum Strands
List of Resources
List of Skills
Evaluation Strategies
List of Activities
Activity Plan (sample)
Integration of Bird Theme into the Environment
Parental Involvement
Art Criticism on Marc Chagall’s ‘Paris through the Window’Christina Sookdeo
So...I'm no art professional and my criticism is purely my thoughts (which some can disagree with freely) so please be understanding since this was an assignment from two years ago. If it's helpful in any way then...you're welcome :)
Position paper for curriculum planning and pedagogy course. Contains topics such as: what is play, what research says about play, the benefits of play, the challenges play faces, a counterargument for concerns of learning through play and the implications for adults.
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Areas covered: Background of the model, spread of the model, philosophical perspectives, theoretical foundations, domains of development, differentiation of instruction, assessment, research base, professional development, materials and space, and parent/family/community relationships.
Social Stratification: Class, Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and SexChristina Sookdeo
Defining social stratification and discussing it's most common divisions such as race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sex. Also looks at the impact each has on education.
Target Audience: Young Children.
It includes a comic that is interrelated to the principles of shapes. Also includes activities that involve developing the concept of shapes.
Motivational theories and their applications to teaching and learning. Maslow's Hierarcy of needs, ARC's motivational theory, equity theory, expectancy theory, herzberg two factor theory.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
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• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
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The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
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Safalta Digital marketing institute in Noida, provide complete applications that encompass a huge range of virtual advertising and marketing additives, which includes search engine optimization, virtual communication advertising, pay-per-click on marketing, content material advertising, internet analytics, and greater. These university courses are designed for students who possess a comprehensive understanding of virtual marketing strategies and attributes.Safalta Digital Marketing Institute in Noida is a first choice for young individuals or students who are looking to start their careers in the field of digital advertising. The institute gives specialized courses designed and certification.
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The Effect of Poor Fine Motor Skills on Children between the Ages of 3-5 Years
1. Page | 1
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The Effect of Poor Fine Motor Skills on Children between the Ages of 3-5 Years
Area of Focus/Problem
The purpose of this study is to describe how poor fine motor skills affect children at the
age of 3-5 years. This area of focus statement satisfies the fundamental principles of action
research since it involves teaching and learning, which is a topic that is of great personal interest
to members of the group, within our focus of control and is an area that needs to be addressed.
Children are in motion virtually from conception and develop their abilities to move their
bodies as they grow. Young children spend most of the day in physical activity; therefore, the
development of fine motor skills must take a high priority in early childhood programs. Fine-
motor activity uses the small muscles of the body and its extremities (the hands and feet). Such
movement requires dexterity, precision, and manipulative skill. Grasping, reaching, and holding,
banging, pushing, spinning, and turning are all activities that refine these skills. As teachers we
need to be informed and knowledgeable about child development and growth to help children
develop functional and flexible bodies. These skills are important in most school activities as
well as in life in general.
2. Page | 2
Literature Review
Several sources were used to gather information relating the development of fine motor
skills in young children, however, a few key similarities were found in all of these sources.
These include a definition of fine motor skills, the importance of fine motor skills,
milestones that demonstrate whether or not proper development of fine motor skills is taking
place, causes of poor fine motor development and how we can support children who are
experiencing fine motor difficulties.
According to the Encyclopedia of Children’s Health (2013), fine motor skills can
generally be defined as the ability to control and coordinate the muscles in hands, wrists, fingers,
feet, toes, lips, and tongue. To explain the term fine motor skills, Owens (2008), states, “it
involves the use of the small muscles in the fingers, hands, and arms” in contrast to Boyer
(2009), who only mentions the use of the “small muscles in the fingers (index, middle, and
thumb) and wrists” However, both authors agreed that hand-to-eye coordination is an important
part of fine motor development.
Fine motor skills form the basis for many of the skills that children will develop and
enhance as they move through childhood. For infants and young children, their fine motor skills
facilitate their interactions with the world and therefore their learning. Therefore, Owens (2008)
and Cook & Hogan (2013), has agreed that children’s fine motor skills are precursors to the
development of early literacy, numeracy and self-help skills of independence. Ackerson (2010)
later added to this by listing a few self-help skills such as feeding and dressing. One of the most
essential reasons for developing fine motor skills is to help aid in the ability of self-help
3. Page | 3
proficiency. In the beginning, young children need to learn how to dress themselves and use the
toilet. Literacy and numeracy skills come later as they move into their pre-kindergarten years.
As adults, we have mastered most fine motor skills but we often neglect the fact that
young children are struggling with simple tasks that we take for granted. Some of these tasks
that we often take for granted are counted as milestones that demonstrate whether or not proper
development of fine motor skills is taking place. Certain achievements must be accomplished,
for example- tearing paper, buttoning a button, and holding and writing with a pencil (Ackerson,
2010). Others are discovering arms, hands, feet, fingers, and toes, grasping of objects, feeding
themselves, lacing, drawing and cutting (Boyer, 2009). However, it is important to note that
mastery of these skills does take time. Daily usage of the fingers, wrists, and eye coordination
will help enhance young children’s fine motor development.
There are many factors that cause children to have poor fine motor skills. Shuster (2007)
declares that the primary cause of fine motor control problems is a lack or over abundance in
muscle mass. This is in contrast to Boyer (2009), who simply states that “One that is most
commonly found in young children is a lack of interest or desire in what they are doing.” It is
important to note that different children of different groups will have different factors that cause
them to possess poor fine motor skills. However, several key factors that cause poor fine motor
skills in different children remain the same and these are the following:
environmental factors can lead to fine motor skill problems (alcohol or drug use during
pregnancy)
inherited factors such as ability level, rate of physical maturation and body type and
4. Page | 4
activities that are too challenging (or less) that inhibit or place stress on the development
of fine motor skills
Poor fine motor skills can be extremely frustrating for children, especially at the age of 3-5
years old. Imagine having trouble with a skill all of your friends are tackling with ease. Properly
developed fine motor skills are important to everyday living. Therefore, it is important that we
support children in this domain of development. When dealing with a child with poor fine motor
skills it requires patience, understanding, time, practice and continuous encouragement.
“Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to motivate children when they are feeling
discouraged about performing fine motor tasks” (Boyer, 2009).
The development of children’s fine motor skills is an important foundation for the attainment
of other skills such as literacy, numeracy and self-help skills. Certain milestones indicate
whether or not a child is developing his/her fine motor skills properly and these include the
ability to grasp objects and perform precise movements with the hands and wrist. For most
children who suffer from poor fine motor development several factors relate to this such as
environmental factors, inherited/genetic factors and poorly structured activities. We must keep in
mind that children with poor fine motor skills are struggling therefore proper support, resources,
activities and a self-help environment must be provided for these children to thrive in their
development of the essential fine motor skills.
5. Page | 5
Definition of Variables
Fine motor skills- Fine motor skills generally refer to the small movements of the hands, wrists,
fingers, feet, toes, lips, and tongue (Encyclopedia of Children’s Health, 2013).
Developmental milestones- skills gained by a developing child, which should be achieved by a
given age. Examples include smiling by six weeks and sitting unsupported by eight months.
Failure to achieve a particular milestone by a given age is indicative of developmental delay (A
Dictionary of Nursing, 2008).
Hand-eye coordination- Hand-eye coordination is your ability to coordinate your vision with fine
motor skills. You start developing this kind of coordination instinctively when you are an infant.
Hand-eye coordination involves visually guiding your hands and your eyes while using eye
movements that optimize your vision at the same time (Cavazos, 2011).
Positive reinforcement- Positive reinforcement is a concept first described by psychologist B. F.
Skinner in his theory of operant conditioning. Positive reinforcement is anything added that
follows a behavior that makes it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the
future (Cherry, 2011).
Self-help environment- The self-help environment has one of its fundamental goals as the
development of children’s own skills- fostering their mastery of basic abilities that will allow
them to become responsible for their own personal care, their own learning, their own emotional
controls, their own problem-, and their own choices and decisions. (Gordon and Browne, 2008)
6. Page | 6
Research Questions
What are the factors that influence poor fine motor skills?
A number of factors can cause poor fine motor skills or delayed fine motor skill
development in children, including stroke, injury, illness or birth defects. Children up to age 5
who do not attain new fine motor skills may have a developmental disability such as mental
retardation .Other causes can include visual impairments, hearing impairments and diabetes.
Signs of fine motor problems are difficulty controlling or coordinating body movements,
especially with the face, hands and fingers.
Genetic and environmental factors can lead to fine motor skill problems. While pregnant,
a mother exposed to alcohol can directly affect the neurons in the fetus’s brain which can lead to
difficulties with self-control in fine motor skill development. Even smoking has been known to
have negative effects on motor skills. Traumatic brain injury creates injury too many parts of the
brain, disrupting the brain's communication pathways to the limbs. Diseases such as Cerebral
Palsy affect parts of the brain that control muscle coordination and can negatively disrupt fine
motor skills.
How can poor fine motor skills impact the socio-emotional development of the child?
Fine motor skills develop as your child's whole body gains mobility, stability, cognitive, and
emotional/social development. It is important to understand how children develop physically,
socially, emotionally and intellectually to know that all areas of development are equally as
important as each other, and that all impact on one another. Students with poor fine motor skills
tend to be ‘made fun of’ by their peers as they have not mastered the tasks that they have. This
7. Page | 7
can affect the child’s self-esteem deeply and deter them from attempting in activities. Children
with poor fine motor skills may avoid activities or be present and frustrated in the classroom
while his/her peers are seemingly performing with much more ease than they. This produces a
negative cycle as these children will have fewer opportunities to practice and improve their fine
motor skills. The frustration in dealing with trying to control their fine motor movements
combined with trying to ward off social humiliation all the while navigating the developmental
steps, fighting to grow up, make good grades, and get kids to like them can be more than any one
kid can handle. Early diagnosis, intervention and lots of consistent support are vital.
How do poor fine motor skills affect a child’s independence?
Poor fine motor skills affect a child’s independence by not allowing a child to feel responsible
and having them reply on another person hence taking away their ability to perform everyday
tasks. This has them dependent on others and makes it more difficult in the future to excel or
master the basic skills at the age appropriate level. This can also affects the child’s self-esteem
making them think or believe that they cannot accomplish tasks on their own. For example,
because these students hate to write, they avoid an entire array of activities that are essential to
their development as a student. Every time a child with fine motor disabilities sits down to write
pretty much anything, or every time they endeavor to express themselves on paper, they begin to
question themselves and doubt their potential to succeed at something they choose to do.
8. Page | 8
Interventions or Innovations
Between the ages of 3-5 years some major milestones must be met for children to
develop good fine motor skills. These are as follows:
Three years: Builds tower of nine or ten blocks. Puts on shoes and socks. Can button and
unbutton. Carries containers with little spilling or dropping.
Four years: Dresses self except for tying. Cuts with scissors, but not well. Washes and
dries face.
Five years: Dresses without help. Ties shoes. Prints simple letters.
In our study, we focused on two children, a boy and a girl (between the ages of 3-5), who
had poor fine motor skills in the classroom. Several key milestones were noticed in these
children that were lacking or not met. For example, they both had trouble writing and would
often get frustrated with simple drawing, colouring, or holding a pencil, they could not lace their
shoes, they were often clumsy during the day- falling, running into things, spilling things during
lunchtime and they had problems using a scissors.
Since these children were struggling to do most of these aforementioned activities we
became concerned that they may have poor fine motor skills. The best plan is to take the time to
practice, enhance, and evaluate these skills. Several suggested activities like drawing, coloring
and paper cutting art involving cutting out paper chains and making paper crafts can help a child
to develop their fine motor skills. Drawing can improve how neatly the child can draw lines and
shapes, improving the overall appearance of letters and shapes all together; paired with coloring
this helps the eyes determine where to stop by staying within the lines in shapes and forms.
Tracking movement is one of the key factors in fine motor skills. There are also toys and games
9. Page | 9
available that are geared for the improvement of fine motor skills. Modelling the desired
behaviour for the children, staying with them while they try and by giving encouragement,
support and rewards when they have accomplished a task, these fine motor skills can be
developed.
Negotiations to Be Undertaken
Negotiations need to be undertaken to ensure that the research is carried out using ethical
procedures. Two students were selected from an ECCE school. These two students were between
the ages of three to four years and have problems developing their fine motor skills. The school’s
principal administrator gave us permission as parents already signed a consent informing that we
could observe the students. Parents were then given a checklist to complete at home concerning
their child. Their teachers were also given the same checklist concerning the student that was in
their class and the researchers also completed checklists. All participants will be given the
assurance that the research would be conducted in a professional manner and any data collected
will be treated with confidentiality, where neither the identity of the school nor any student or
teacher will be revealed.
Procedure:
- In order to engage in this research project, a letter was sent to the principal/administrator
of the school informing her on the nature and relevance of the study. Negotiations were
made with the Principal of the school. This is to ensure that we were granted permission
to carry out the research in the school.
- Before the distribution of checklists, the parents and teachers were informed about the
purpose of completing it, and they were also given assurance that their names and other
personal information along with the data collected will be kept confidential.
10. Page | 10
- Parents were asked to sign a letter of consent for their child/children to be observed.
- The researcher will seek permission to set up informal interviews with the teachers.
- The researcher then acquired the teacher’s permission to observe the children in the
classroom.
Timeline
Phase 1 (duration- 1 month)
- Identify the area of focus
- Take time to reflect on one’s own beliefs and to understand the nature and context of the
area of focus that was chosen
- Collect literature from multiple sources that relates to the topic (online resources,
journals, articles, textbooks)
- Analyze these documents (choose the pertinent literature and sort it by its importance)
- Develop research questions that will help provide a focus for the data-collection plan
- Develop interviews and checklists to help with the collection of data.
Phase 2 (duration 1 month)
- Get permission from all stakeholders involved to carry out interviews or use checklists.
These include parents, teachers and the principal.
- Collect the initial data (for example, use photos of the work samples of children and,
observation)
- Conduct interviews with children and/or parents/teachers
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Phase 3 (duration 2 months)
- Develop a plan to modify the curriculum, instruction, activities and learning centers as
needed to help children develop fine motor skills
- Enact the plan
- Continue data collection during these two months
- Record all observations of improvements of important notices
- Schedule meetings with parents/other teachers for input on how they can improve the
curriculum or help with the development of the children’s fine motor skills
Phase 4 (duration 1 month)
- Review the recordings made during the action plan
- Complete the analysis of all data collected
- Develop a folder to show the process of the action plan from start to finish
Statement of Resources
To participate in this study of identifying the effect of poor fine motor skills in children
between the ages of 3-5 years each member must firstly review the related literature (books,
Journals and e-resources, articles). Next to begin the study the necessary documentation for
approval must be delivered and collected. All checklists must be copied and placed into a sealed
envelope. However, basic materials will include: writing paper, coloured pencils, crayons,
scissors, blocks, puzzles, toys, games, play dough, folder, printer and ink, observation register,
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teacher’s checklist, copy of group listing, digital camera, letters of consent, and letter to
principal.
Data Collection Plan
Based on the nature of the situation, where children are displaying difficulty in fine motor
skills, the most suitable method of data collection for this study is a mixed method. This includes
collecting information by utilizing both quantitative (numerically based) and qualitative
(experience based) techniques. Qualitative data collection includes the fieldwork strategy of
experiencing and enquiring which will be the techniques undertaken, in addition to a teacher-
made activities which will provide quantitative data.
Direct Observation: The teacher will observe children during group and individual activities
and record their fine motor skills on a checklist. Other notes and observations will be recorded in
an observation register.
The following data will provide evidence for the study being done.
1. An Inventory list of the toys, games, and other materials available at the school to
develop fine motor skills.
2. Informal Interviews with the cooperating teacher and collection of children’s work
samples.
3. Indirect and direct observation of the resources available and used in the classroom.
4. Photos of activities requiring the use of fine motor skills used in the classroom.
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Data Analysis Plan
Checklists, direct and indirect observation, informal interviews/questioning and inventory
listing are some of the methods of data collection that will be used in this study. The information
collected will be analyzed using the mixed method. It will include work samples, descriptive
evidence in support of the survey. We will report the data from the checklists, observations and
informal interviews in the form of pictures and objective word analysis. The observation
findings produced conflicting results where the resources are available, but they are not utilized
to the fullest by the teachers. This issue could have been as a result of a lack of knowledge on the
use of resources and time constraints on the teacher’s behalf.
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques Used
Qualitative data collection methods are experience based. There are three primary data
collection techniques that one can utilize when using this method. These include; experiencing,
enquiring and examining. Our group utilized the following methods;
Observation:
Advantages:
Hands-on insight to student behaviour.
Broader spectrum of results.
Disadvantages:
Misinterpretation of behaviour.
Biasness.
Narrow range of focus.
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Photography:
Advantages:
Visual evidence
Ability to identify faults.
Disadvantages:
Breach of personal privacy.
Misinterpretation of photos.
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques Used
Quantitative data collection methods are based on numerical data and mostly used in
keeping record of students’ performance. Our group utilized the following method;
Checklists: These were given to the teachers and parents to get their perspective on the topic.
Advantages:
- It is easy to understand and complete.
- Allows us to collect, analyse and interpret large amounts of data in a relatively short
amount of time.
Disadvantages:
- It may not allow the participant room to explain themselves as they may desire.
- There is no way of telling how truthful the respondent is being, as a result lacking
validity.
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Implementing the Action Plan
With the research proposal completed, it is time to put the plan in action. The
interventions and innovations listed previously will be implemented, practiced, monitored, and
assessed. With repeated opportunities for practice, young children gain confidence in their use of
materials provided for example, to cut with scissors, model clay, or draw or paint on smaller
surfaces which can help develop fine motor dexterity and control.
As prospective early childhood professionals, we are also in a position to observe a child
and to encourage activities which will broaden his or her fine motor skills. All children,
including very young children, should be exposed to the broadest possible range of positive
experiences and encouraged to learn in all ways that will support and enhance the development
of fine motor skills.
Reflection on Action Research Process
According to Mills (2011, pg. 11), “One of the outcomes of action research is that it
satisfies the desire of all teachers to increase the predictability of what happens in their
classrooms- in particular, to increase the likelihood that a given curriculum, instructional
strategy, or use of technology will positively affect student outcomes.” This action research
process has taught us that as teachers we all have an instinctive nature to want to be able to
predict what can happen in our classrooms by looking at the developmental milestones of
children and matching it to their abilities.
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We have found that not all children are predictable and will follow this pattern, as with
the children in our study who showed poor fine motor skills. Therefore, we need to be able to
develop a plan to modify the curriculum, create strategies, and support the children as best as we
can so that optimal physical development in terms of fine motor skills will be accomplished. As
educators we found this action research process to be educational, informative, and useful as it
serves as a foundation to improve our teaching strategies and techniques in a practical manner.
We can now see the importance of planning, researching, analyzing, and reflecting and we will
surely use these concepts in our future endeavors as early childhood educators.
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Bibliography
Ackerson, D. (2010). The Importance of Developing Your Child's Fine Motor Skills. In
Examiner.com. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.examiner.com/article/the
importance-of-developing-your-child-s-fine-motor-skills.
Amorson, A. (2001). Learn to move- move to learn. Jigsaw. (21), 6-7
Avdameg, I. (2013). Fine Motor Skills- symptoms, definition, description, common
problems. In Encyclopedia of Children's Health. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from
http://www.healthofchildren.com/E-F/Fine-Motor-Skills.html.
Boyer, S. (2009). Early Childhood Development. Developing Fine Motor Skills. Suite101:
Vancouver, Canada
Cherry, K. (April 29, 2011). Positive Reinforcement - Psychology Definition of the Week. In
About.com. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from
http://psychology.about.com/b/2011/04/29/positive-reinforcement-psychology-definition-
of-the-week.htm.
Crawford, J. D., Medendorp, W. P., & Marotta, J. J. (2004). Spatial Transformations for Eye
Hand Coordination. Journal of Neurophysiology. doi:10.1152/jn.00117.2004
Developmental Milestones: Dictionary definition of developmental milestones
Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary. (n.d.). In Encyclopedia.com | Free Online
Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 5, 2013 from
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-developmentalmilestones.html
Egle, C. (2004). A practical guide to working with children. Victoria: Tertiary Press.
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Gordon, A. G., and Browne. K. W. (2008). Beginnings and Beyond: foundations in early
childhood education. 7th
Ed. Clifton Park, N.Y. Thomson Delmar Learning. USA.
Mills, G. E. (2010). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher (4th
ed.).
New Jersey: Pearson.
Morrison, G. S (2007). Early childhood education today 10th
Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson
Owens, A. (2008). Supporting children's development. Fine motor skills. (28), 3-5.
Shuster, A. (2012). OT Articles, Causes and Treatment of Poor Fine Motor Control.
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Appendix
COCOYEA EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CENTRE
CHECKLIST: The Development of Fine Motor Skills in Children Ages 3-5
Place a tick ( ) on the appropriate box
Fine Motor Skills Yes No
Is able to trace patterns
Able to stick paper
Able to colour
Turn pages singlely
Holds cup in one hand
Work with simple puzzles
Able to fold paper/cloth etc.
Pincher grasp-pencil/brush
Can tie shoe laces
Can pour liquid in a glass without spilling
Can cut with a scissors
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COCOYEA EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CENTRE
ST. ANDREWS AVENUE
PARK WEST
COCOYEA
March 19, 2013
Dear Parent or Guardian,
The UTT students are conducting a research study entitled ‘The Effects of Poor Fine Motor
Development in Children Ages 3-5’ with the students at the Cocoyea E.C.C.E. Centre.
Ultimately, our hope is to learn about children with poor fine motor skills so that we can modify
our teaching and learning strategies to best meet the needs of these students. With the permission
of the district’s administrator, we are requesting that you allow your child to participate.
Participants in the study will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. The total time to
participate in the study will be approximately ten minutes. No names will be used in filling out
the questionnaire so all responses will be anonymous. No one at the school will have access to
any of the information collected. Surveys will be kept in a locked file cabinet accessible only to
the researchers.
Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and there will be no penalty for not
participating. All students for whom we have parent consent will be asked if they wish to
participate and only those who agree will complete the forms. Moreover, participants will be free
to stop taking part in the study at any time.
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Please give your permission by signing the enclosed consent form and having your child
return it to his or her teacher tomorrow.
Consent to Participate
I have read the attached informed consent letter and agree to have my youngster participate in the
study as stated above.
Student’s Name
__________________________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Name (please print)
__________________________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature Date
__________________________________________________ __________________
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Pictures of Student’s Work Samples
Example of poor fine motor skills Example of good fine motor skills
Example of student’s writing (poor fine motor skills)