Motor Skills
The development of motor skills is one of the key areas of child development, and our educational program at the Mikros Maestros infant and toddler center places great emphasis on this. Our goal is to cultivate biophysical skills through body movement and full activation, which lead to proper and holistic child development.
According to Wickstrom (1977), fundamental motor skills include walking, running, jumping, kicking, striking, catching, and throwing. Movement is a natural part of a young child’s life and serves as a means of learning. As children learn to move, they also learn through movement.
At Mikros Maestros, we focus on helping children understand basic motor concepts and spatial awareness, develop balance and jumping ability, recognize parts of their body and how they move, coordinate their bodies, move with ease, handle both small and large objects, and improve fine motor skills, making their movements more flexible and precise.
The Importance of Spatial Awareness
A special emphasis is placed on spatial awareness. Each child has their own personal space, which they gradually discover through their own experiences. With the help of specialized motor activities incorporated into our curriculum, children explore their environment, become aware of their body and its capabilities, and gradually form a personal body image. This body awareness becomes a reference point for understanding the external world.
Through these processes, children develop:
- Spatial orientation
- An understanding of body weight and movement
- Familiarity with early mathematical concepts
- Logical-mathematical thinking
Music and Movement
At Mikros Maestros, music education plays a fundamental role. As part of motor skill enhancement, our program integrates music and movement activities to help children develop a sense of rhythm.
Through:
- Guided improvisation
- Sound stories
- Dramatization using music
- Music and movement games with various props
Children learn to respond to rhythm, synchronize their movements with music, and express themselves freely. This approach combines fun and creative self-expression, allowing children to develop both motor coordination and artistic sensitivity.