Differentiate gross-motor and fine-motor development, giving examples of each. Explain dynamic systems theory of motor development

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

Gross-motor development refers to control over actions that help infants get around in the environment, such as crawling, standing, and walking. Fine-motor development has to do with smaller movements, such as reaching and grasping. There are large individual differences in rate of motor progress. A baby who is a late reacher will not necessarily be a late crawler or walker. We would be concerned about a child’s development only if many motor skills were seriously delayed.
According to dynamic systems theory of motor development, mastery of motor skills involves acquiring increasingly complex systems of action. When motor skills work as a system, separate abilities blend together, each cooperating with others to produce more effective ways of exploring and controlling the environment. For example, control of the head and upper chest combine into sitting with support. Kicking, rocking on all fours, and reaching combine to become crawling. Then crawling, standing, and stepping are united into walking.
Each new skill is a joint product of (1) central nervous system development, (2) the boy’s movement capacities, (3) the goals the child has in mind, and (4) environmental supports for the skill, Change in any element makes the system less table, so the child starts to explore and select new, more effective motor patterns. When a skill is first acquired, infant must refine it through intensive practice, until it becomes smooth and effortless.