FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

In the first year of life, development of fine motor skills is highlighted by the evolution of a clamp seized. During the second year of life, the child learns how to use objects as tools for functional play. There are many steps in the realization of these two powers, some of them are illustrated in Exhibit 2GB. Earlier this month, the upper extremities help balance and mobility. As the balance in a sitting position and improves the infant assumes bipedal mobility, hands become available for handling objects of their ultimate function. Primitive reflexes are integrated, and the upper extremities under the cortical control. Reaching becomes more precise, and objects are placed in the mouth for oral exploration. That development is progressing distal to proximal, reaching and manipulative skills are further strengthened, and precise manual exploration replaces oral exploration. During the second year, fine motor is evaluated by observing how the hands use objects as tools (eg for building blocks and crayons for drawing). The close association between gross and fine motor skills in the first year of life evolves in a similar relationship between problem solving and fine motor skills during the second year. One skill allows or encourages the development of the other. If progress in the manual dexterity is slow, which may hinder cognitive development through the manipulation of objects.