Why Should Teachers Teach Motor Skills in Physical Education?
Motor skills incorporate two basic areas: gross motor skills, or those requiring the use of large muscle groups, such as running; and fine motor skills, those requiring the use of small muscle groups, such as writing. In general, physical education is usually centered on the acquisition and refinement of gross motor skills.
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Types of Motor Skills Taught
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There are three primary types of gross motor skills school-aged children need to master: locomotor skills, non-locomotor skills and balance/coordination skills. Locomotor skills are skills used to move from one place to another: hopping, skipping, running, jumping. Non-locomotor skills are those necessary for moving in place: turning, twisting, pivoting. Balance and coordination are needed to transition from one locomotor skill to another, such as running into a jump, or to combine various movements, such as turning to throw a ball.
Can These Skills Be Taught?
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There was a time when developmental psychologists believed motor skills were something children were born with; i.e., purely inherited. More recent studies have proven the importance of a child's environment on motor skill learning. Motivation and opportunity to practice various skills play a very important role in motor skill development.
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Importance of Developing Motor Skills
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Lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of childhood obesity. Many children lack the basic motor skills and coordination to participate in physical activity. In order to interest children in lifelong physical activity, adults must give them ample opportunities to learn and practice skills that will make them competent in group games and activities.
Social Skills
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Competence in motor skills can affect a child's social development. In playing a team game that requires physical movement, the child learns that her abilities can play an important role in the success of the group. Feeling important to the group is one of the fundamental needs of all human beings. Also, group games and activities provide opportunities for problem solving that can be applied in other areas of life. Discussions of rules and procedures among children can be critical in teaching the art of negotiation and compromise, as well as the importance of clearly established rules.
Emotional Development
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Rigorous physical activity has long been associated with emotional release. Running, walking and dancing have all been shown to reduce stress and increase well-being. Children need opportunities to use physical activity to help relieve stress and deal with emotional issues. This will reduce behavioral outbursts while increasing physical fitness.
Cognitive Skills
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There is evidence to associate motor development with cognitive development. We know very young children develop much more rapidly as they become more mobile in their environment. Cognition is also tied to eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. Many academic skills, such as writing, depend heavily on fine motor development.
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