Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups to perform movements that require strength and coordination. These skills are essential for activities such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing. For example, when a child learns to ride a bicycle, they are developing their gross motor skills through the coordinated use of their legs, arms, and core muscles.
Fine motor skills, on the other hand, involve smaller muscle groups and are necessary for tasks that require precision and dexterity. These skills are important for activities such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils. For instance, when a child learns to tie their shoelaces, they are practicing their fine motor skills as they manipulate the laces with their fingers.
In summary, gross motor skills are related to large movements and coordination, while fine motor skills focus on precise, smaller movements.