Core Body of Knowledge

NY's Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

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1.4

Gross, Fine, Graphomotor Development

1: Child Growth and Development

Competency Description

The professional working with young children supports children's gross, fine, and graphomotor development

Behaviors & Skills

a
Provides the appropriate environments, toys materials, equipment and instructions to encourage a variety and range of motor skills
b
Helps children master self-help skills like eating, toileting, and dressing
c
Creates opportunities for children to practice skills that develop coordination, balance, movement, and strength:
  • Locomotor skills: rolling, crawling, walking, running, jumping, hopping, galloping, sliding, skipping, leaping
  • Object control: throwing, catching, kicking, striking, trapping, dribbling, ball rolling
  • Stability Skills: turning, twisting, bending, stretching, reaching, lifting, balancing
  • Activities that cross the midline: (i.e., easel painting, clapping pattern games)
d
Leads physical activities at a moderate to vigorous level
e
Provides opportunities/activities that strengthen hand and finger muscles, as well as coordination
f
Makes sure that indoor and outdoor environments allow children to move freely
g
Ensures that children spend time each day in outdoor gross motor play
h
Supports children in their pursuit of reasonable physical challenges
i
Provides children with opportunities and materials that foster sensory integration
j
Adapts physical activities to the skill and developmental level of the children, as well as to the environment (i.e., backyard, gym, classroom, living room)