Parents’ Guide to Fine Versus Gross Motor Skills

Motor skills are broken up into two categories: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Mastering both are important for children’s growth and independence. Watch to learn more about both, and how your child can strengthen their skills!

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The difference between fine and gross motor skills:

Fine motor: Small muscles related to intricate tasks.

Gross motor: Large muscles related to movements.

Fine motor: Found in fingers, lips, tongue, etc.

Gross motor: Found in arms, legs, torso, etc.

Fine motor: Tasks include feeding yourself, turning pages.

Gross motor: Tasks include walking, sitting, throwing.

Activities for fine motor skills:

• Finger painting

• Stacking cups or blocks

• Coloring with crayons

• Rolling balls with play dough

Activities for gross motor skills:

• Doing Tummy Time

• Playing ‘Simon Says’

• Playing on the playground

• Throwing a ball at a target

Good motor control helps with cognitive development and exploring the world.