Owing to the ongoing pandemic, the learning environment for many learners has shifted to the home.
Facilitators and caregivers may often worry about the impact of online learning on the development of learners’ motor skills. It is important for caregivers to ensure that the virtual learning environment continues to support motor skill development.
The first step in this effort is to understand what fine and gross motor skills are, and why it is important to focus on them.
While fine motor skills involve the use of small muscles—such as those in the wrists, hands, fingers, feet, and toes—gross motor skills rely on larger muscles responsible for whole-body movements.
It is essential to nurture both sets of skills in young learners, as they enable the body to perform everyday tasks efficiently and with ease.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has significantly limited physical activity for many learners. In several regions, even outdoor play has become inaccessible.
Not long ago, attending a physical learning environment occupied a major part of a learner’s day. However, with the rise of online platforms, virtual learning has become the new normal.
Although virtual environments may not fully replicate the hands-on experiences learners typically engage in at a physical setting, facilitators and caregivers can adopt simple yet effective strategies to support motor skill development.
Here are five practical ways to enhance fine and gross motor skills while learners attend their classes online.
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Online Learning Strategies to Improve Motor Skills: 5 Tips
1. Choosing the Right Learning Program
When selecting the right learning environment or an appropriate program for a young learner, it is important to inquire about the emphasis placed on the development of fine and gross motor skills.
For example, all pre-primary programs at 21k School integrate activities such as yoga sessions, art and craft projects, musical movement, and more—ensuring a balanced and holistic approach to early childhood development.
2. Utilizing the Breaktime
When a learner receives a break or “away time” from an online session, facilitators can use this opportunity to introduce stimulating and active play.
Encourage simple activities such as full-body stretches, eye exercises, jumping jacks, or even light household tasks like tidying up a room. Dancing together is another fun and engaging option.
These enjoyable initiatives not only enhance motor skill development but also make break times more meaningful and productive.
3. Changing the Lifestyle
The responsibility to bring positive change to a learner’s daily routine often rests with facilitators and caregivers.
Incorporating hands-on activities such as building blocks, puzzles, play dough, and similar resources can effectively complement virtual learning.
Reducing personal screen time can also serve as a powerful example, allowing that time to be redirected toward engaging in physical activities with the learner.
One such activity—both physically and intellectually enriching—is creating a simple obstacle course at home using readily available materials.
4. Letting Your Child Lead the Way
Keep in mind that every learner is unique. Facilitators should observe and understand each learner’s interests and use those activities as opportunities to develop motor skills.
For example, if a learner enjoys cooking, they can be encouraged to peel boiled potatoes, whisk eggs, measure ingredients, select vegetables and fruits from the fridge, hold plates, and more.
These seemingly small tasks play a significant role in enhancing motor skill development.
5. Talking to Your Child
Learners are always full of curiosity. Throughout the day you are bombarded with several WHYs, HOWs, and WHATs. This is a sign that the child is yearning to learn more about his/her surroundings.
Facilitators can use this opportunity to introduce learners to the human body. Discuss the importance of developing motor skills and how certain activities support this growth.
For instance, if a learner mentions that their fingers feel tired while writing, facilitators can explain how engaging in fine motor activities helps strengthen finger muscles.
If a learner feels too tired to maintain a certain posture, facilitators can explain how whole-body movements contribute to the development of gross motor skills.
Whether we like it or not, the pandemic has introduced a new era of virtual learning for learners.
Facilitators must now find innovative ways to make the best of this new normal, using online platforms as tools to equip learners with the skills to flourish in both the virtual and physical worlds.
