Fine Motor
Fine motor is the development and control of the smaller muscles in the body that are responsible for more precise and intricate movements. These muscles include those in the hands, fingers, and wrists, as well as those involved in eye-hand coordination. Fine motor skills involve movements such as grasping, holding, manipulating objects, drawing, writing, and using tools.
Developing fine motor skills is important for children as it helps them to perform tasks such as writing, drawing, and using utensils with ease and accuracy. It also plays a crucial role in the development of cognitive and perceptual abilities, such as problem-solving, attention, and spatial awareness. Fine motor skills continue to be important throughout life, enabling individuals to perform a wide range of daily activities, from typing on a computer keyboard to playing a musical instrument.
Gross Motor
Gross motor is the development and control of the large muscles in the body that are responsible for movement, balance, and coordination. These muscles include those in the arms, legs, back, and core, as well as those involved in breathing and posture. Gross motor skills involve movements such as crawling, walking, jumping, running, throwing, catching, and climbing.
Developing gross motor skills is important for children as it helps them to gain strength, balance, coordination, and confidence in their physical abilities. It also helps them to engage in physical activities and sports as they grow older, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Seating, Positioning, and Mobility
Physical Education
The purpose of physical education is to promote physical fitness, health, and overall well-being through physical activity and education. It plays an important part in motor development for all learners.
Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE)
Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) means specially designed physical education instruction and services for pupils with disabilities who have a substantial delay or disorder in physical development. Learn more about DAPE:
The DAPE Challenge
Since 2011, the DAPE Challenge brings students, teachers, and parents from Chisago Lakes, East Central, Hinckley-Finlayson, North Branch, Pine City, and Rush City together for a day of adapted track and field events, friendly competition, and fun!
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Related Topics
- Visit our Assistive Technology (AT) Tools page to learn about how AT can support students with seating, positioning, and mobility or with the fine motor aspects of writing.
- If you suspect that a child may have a disability in this area, visit our Special Education page to learn about Minnesota’s disability categories.
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Connect
 If a student with an IFSP or IEP exhibits fine or gross motor needs, their team may include one or more of the educators below. Click 'More...' to learn how they support students.
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