TExES Physical Education EC-12 Practice Exam

Which statement about early childhood motor development is true?

1. Children can completely dress themselves with no assistance

2. Children can participate in large group sports activities

3. Fine motor skills begin developing during preschool years

4. Children focus solely on gross motor skills during this stage

The correct answer is: Fine motor skills begin developing during preschool years

The statement that fine motor skills begin developing during the preschool years is accurate because this age range, typically 3 to 5 years old, is critical for the development of both gross and fine motor skills. During these years, children engage in activities that enhance their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, setting the foundation for future skills like writing, cutting, and manipulating small objects. At this stage, children fine-tune their movements and begin to manage tasks that require greater control and precision, such as drawing, using utensils, and engaging in arts and crafts. This developmental phase is marked by an increase in their ability to use their hands effectively, which is essential for their overall physical and cognitive development. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect typical development for early childhood. For instance, while some children may be able to dress with varying levels of help, it is not realistic to expect that all children can do so completely independently at this stage. Additionally, participating in large group sports activities might be challenging for preschool-aged children, as they are more suited for individual or small group play that allows for skill development rather than organized team sports. Lastly, while gross motor skills are indeed a focus during early childhood, saying that children focus solely on gross