Occupational Therapist, Yael Rosman on the definition of fine and gross motor skills

Importance of developing good fine motor skills:
-Fine motor skills refers to one's ability to use the fingers and hands to manipulate objects effectively, with both speed and accuracy. It also relates to grasp, finger isolation, in-hand manipulation and finger and hand strength. Fine motor skills are essential for most activities of daily living e.g. holding utensils for independent feeding, dressing (being able to manipulate buttons/zips and coordinate hand movements for accurately putting clothes on limbs and pulling them up/down/on/off). It is essential for school/work related activities such as writing/drawing and being able to grasp, manipulate and control a pencil.

Importance of gross motor skills:
- 'Gross motor skills' is a term which incorporate areas such as balance, bilateral hand coordination, eye-hand coordination, smooth fluid movements, sequencing movements, planning body movements in space and in relation to other objects. Effective gross motor skills are essential so that individuals can navigate their environment in a safe and effective way. Difficulties in these areas may affect basic developmental milestones such as walking/crawling/standing. In young children difficulties may be seen with activities such as hopping, skipping, marching, scissor jumps, star jumps as these are more complex activities requiring coordinated body movements. Difficulties in these areas may be related to 'praxis' which refers to motor planning and one's ability to plan and coordinate what body parts are required to produce certain movements, and in what sequence these movements are required. These kids are often simply thought to be 'uncoordinated', 'floppy' or a 'bit all over the place' however there is often an actual underlying problem with motor planning and motor coordination. Obviously these can later on affect their ability (and confidence) to participate in sporting activities with peers.