Toddlers are the age group with tremendous energy. This is the age when they develop their motor skills. Developments of Motor Skills are mainly of two types; Gross motor skill development and fine motor skill development. In gross motor skills, the larger muscles are mostly involved, such as walking, running, jumping, climbing, throwing ball, tri-cycling and so on. However, in fine motor skill level includes cutting, pasting drawing, coloring and crafting where small muscles are mostly involved. Here, hands and fingers are used and utilization of eye-hand coordination is involved.
In toddlers the motor skills may develop by itself. However, there are different ways to encourage and help the child to develop their skills. One of the simplest ways to develop motor skills is by helping the child with his everyday activities such as feeding. Encourage them to use the spoon and the fork while eating. This control helps to develop their fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. Also encouragement could be given to dress and undress, combing hair and brushing teeth. Drawing and coloring is another method for developing motor skills. Providing them with coloring books and crayons could help their fine motor skills, and their pencil holding.
Most of the toddlers love to sing and dance. Singing with hand motion is the best way for the toddlers in fine motor skill development. Tri-cycling encourages the child to push their foot forward. Pushing the pedal forward is a new motion, which could be difficult at first. Later on it becomes used and rides in a more easy way. This exercise strengthens the larger muscles of legs. Gross motor activities such as climbing and hopping make the muscles more balanced. As a child grows, he learns how to use his body and muscles. These motor activities provide them with both exercise as well as enjoyment.