REFLEXES AND MOTOR SKILLS

REFLEXES

Reflexes are automatic reactions to stimulation that enable infants to respond to the environment before any learning has taken place.

For instance, infant turn their heads when a parent speaks, grasp at a finger that is presses onto their hands and startle when exposed to louder noises.

MOTOR SKILLS Acquiring motor skills is just one part of a child’s development. Gross Motor

Skills: movements related to large muscles such as legs, arms, etc. Fine Motor Skills: movements involving smaller muscle groups such as those in the

hand and wrist . Motor skills or behavioral skills, develop in conjunction with physical growth. In other

words, infants must learn to engage in motor activities within the context of their changing bodies.

At about one month, infants may lift their chins while lying flat on their stomachs. Within another month, infants may raise their chest from the same position. By the fourth month, infants may grasp rattles, as well as, sit with support. By the fifth month, infants may roll over, and by the 8th month, may be able to sit without

help. At about 10th month, toddlers (babies) may stand alone and perhaps even walk.

MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Development of motor activity follows a fairly standard sequence. The infant learns to lift its head, to turn over on its back, and to develop the muscular coordination for refined, visually directed hand movements and for sitting, crawling, standing, and walking, generally on that order.

Motor development proceeds more rapidly than actual physical growth by the beginning of the second year.

Bowel and bladder control is sometimes possible after 18 months.

LET US SEE IT WITH CERTAIN PERIOD OF MONTHS...

0-3 Months

• While lying on tummy, pushes up on arms• While lying on tummy, lifts and holds head up• Able to move fists from closed to open• Able to bring hands to mouth• Moves legs and arms off of surface when excited

4-6 MONTHS

Uses hands to support self while sitting Rolls from back to tummy and tummy to back While standing with support, accepts entire weight with legs Reaches for nearby toys while on tummy While lying on back, reaches both hands to play with feet While lying on back, transfers a toy from one hand to the

other

7-9 MONTHS Sits without support Moves from tummy or back into sitting Starts to move with alternate leg and arm

movement e.g. creeping, crawling Uses both hands to explore toys Picks up head and pushes through elbows

during Tummy Time Turns head to visually track objects, while sitting Shows more control while rolling, sitting,

and scooting Starts to pull to stand Enjoys a variety of movements – bouncing up and

down, rocking back and forth Picks up small objects with thumbs and fingers Tries to lean towards, reach for, and pick up toys In simple play imitates others

10-12 MONTHS

• Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture• Stands alone and takes several independent steps• Moves in and out of various positions to explore environment

and get desired toys• Sits unsupported and is able to turn head to look at objects

without losing balance• Maintains balance in sitting when throwing objects• Claps hands• Releases objects into a container with a large opening• Uses thumb and pointer finger to pick up tiny objects

13-18 MONTHS Walks independently Squats (bends) to pick up a toy Stacks two objects Helps with getting dress/undressed

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