Physical Development & Motor Skills Flashcards

Which principle of motor development states that development proceeds from head to toe?

Answer: Cephalocaudal principle

The cephalocaudal principle describes how motor development progresses from the head downward through the trunk and eventually to the legs and feet.

At what age do most typically developing children begin walking independently?

Answer: 12–15 months

Most children take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months, though a range of 9–18 months is considered within normal development.

Which of the following is classified as a locomotor skill?

Answer: Galloping across the gym

Locomotor skills involve moving the body through space, and galloping is a foundational locomotor movement alongside running, jumping, hopping, and skipping.

The proximodistal principle of motor development means development proceeds:

Answer: From the trunk outward to the extremities

The proximodistal principle describes development that originates at the center (trunk) of the body and moves outward toward the hands and feet.

A 4-year-old who cannot yet hop on one foot may be demonstrating:

Answer: A potential gross motor delay

Hopping on one foot is typically mastered between ages 3 and 4, so inability at age 4 may indicate a gross motor delay warranting further observation or referral.

Which playground activity BEST supports the development of gross motor balance in preschoolers?

Answer: Walking across a balance beam

Walking on a balance beam directly challenges and strengthens the vestibular system and large muscle coordination needed for balance.

Which of the following best describes an object control skill?

Answer: Striking a ball with a bat

Object control skills (also called manipulative skills) involve controlling an object with the hands, feet, or an implement, such as throwing, catching, kicking, or striking.