Think of a time when you have learned something new- maybe driving a new car, typing on a computer, or when you get a new phone with a new software system. Initially, when you learn a new skill, it requires a ton of cognitive effort and feels awkward. But, the more you repeat this skill, it becomes easier and more automatic. This development of automatic motor skills called motor planning. We use motor planning when learning every new motor skill. Developing motor planning helps individuals progress towards independence in functional motor skills.

Learning New Motor Skills

Some people have the capacity to learn new motor skills quickly. Other people require more assistance, time, or other strategies to acquire new skills. As adults, we add new skills to our repertoire at a sporadic consistency. However, kids have to learn new motor skills at sometimes a daily consistency. Think about it- within the first five years of their lives, they are expected to learn how to sit up, crawl, walk, stand, talk, feed themselves, dress themselves, climb, write their names, brush their teeth, and so many other tasks between and in addition to these listed.

Steps towards Independence

As adults who are trying to help kids meet their potential and feel successful, it is important that we know the best ways to teach them these skills so they can acquire them at the most successful rate. It is important to know the child who you are helping and the level of assistance they require. You do not want to have too high of expectations too quickly because this will lead to emotional distress. But, you don’t want to provide too much assistance because this will limit their growth. Below you will find a graph to help you identify what level your child is at with different life skills. Once you determine what level your child is at, you can use it to help them achieve the next step towards success..

Power in Knowledge

There is power in knowing the stage of assistance your child is at.  With this power, you can provide them with the “just right” support that they need when working towards independence. While this has been an effective step by step guide, it is also important to remember that each child is different. Please contact us if your child isn’t making progress towards life skills. A trained occupational, physical or speech therapist can help you determine the best strategies to teach your child new skills.