What is motor development?

• A. Learning a skill that takes fine muscular control
• B. The increased ability to use and control muscular movement
• C. The development of cognitive faculties
• D. The ability to move

Answer: (B)

Motor development is the process by which movement abilities become more refined and efficient over time through growth, maturation, and practice. It centers on an increasing ability to use and control muscular movement, encompassing improvements in coordination, balance, speed, and precision across both gross and fine motor skills. This isn’t about a single task or just the basic ability to move, and it isn’t about thinking skills or cognition. It’s the ongoing progression of how well and how smoothly the body can move and regulate those movements as a person develops.