Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are the ability to coordinate movements between hands, fingers, and eyes. They are needed for things such as coloring, writing, cutting, tying shoelaces, buttoning shirts, zipping coats, and many daily tasks.

• Stronger ability in all areas of writing- endurance, legibility, spacing, etc.
• Skills in drawing, painting, coloring, clay modeling become greater- some standing out more than others
• Musical abilities get better with stronger finger control
• Typing skills on keyboard increase with great accuracy
• Adult-type tools can be better manipulated (saws, hammers, drills, etc.)
• Manipulation of kitchen gadgets and cooking skills increase

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills are the ability to coordinate movements using the whole body. The large muscles of the body, including core muscles are used in these skills. Things like jumping, running, kicking, and throwing a ball are examples.

• Awareness of physical skills increase, and some may prefer some activities over others
• Enjoyment in team sports increase
• Skills like running, swimming, or dancing sharpen and get stronger
• Coordination of body movements improve making various physical movements easier

Social Skills

Social skills are skills that we use every day as we interact with others and includes communicating. Even non-verbal communication like body language and facial expressions fall into the category of social skills. Knowing how to act in social situations can be tricky for young children. As they grow and have more experiences with people of all ages, these skills will mature and make it easier for them to have positive interactions with others.

• Ability to understand others opinions and points of view increase
• Ability to use and understand more complex language
• Influence of peers is higher in this age range
• Able to handle more responsibilities in home, school, and with peers
• More aware of social circles and cliques
• Able to read others facial expressions and body language better
• Able to show empathy better

Your Homework:

What’s a homeschool blog without a little homework?

• Identify any area where your 9-12 year old child needs help in development
• Pick one area
• Write out your plan to help them achieve this developmental step (this could be anything from daily practice to talking with their pediatrician)