Motor Planning

Or praxis, is a three stage process that begins in the brain and ends in the execution of a movement or physical action. These three stages were coined by well-known Psychologists in the 1960's and are identified as the cognitive, associative and autonomous phases. Incredible imagery of the brain during these phases shows activity in multiple areas as information is captured, trialled and stored. In the first stage we learn slowly and by problem solving. In stage two learning becomes more fluent and efficient and by the third stage, movement is consistent and largely automatic. Occupational therapists refer to these phases as ideation, sequencing and execution.

We are not born with the ability to motor plan, like handwriting, brushing your teeth or kicking a ball, it takes practise. Some learn the skills of motor planning more efficiently than others, and the best way for children to develop their motor skills is to... P L A Y ! Our family found sport, particularly group sport rich in learning opportunities for emerging motor skills. One highly effective research based strategy for caregivers to support the formation of motor skills in their children is to scaffold children's learning. This is divided into three tiers of support - full, medium and minimal support. Full support will look like the adult modelling the skill. Once the skill has been explained and explicitly shown to the learner, medium support will follow offering opportunities for engagement, then by the end of the task minimal support should be used. Over time this strategy supports autonomy and self-mastery.

If you are unsure what developmental norms apply to what age group child health nurses, Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists are resourceful and supportive professionals (and, angels in disguise) to ensure your child has the right awareness they need to motor plan effectively. If you would like further information or help finding the right practitioner for your child please comment below, and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

• Kim S, Ogawa K, Lv J, Schweighofer N, Imamizu H (2015) Neural Substrates Related to Motor Memory with Multiple Timescales in Sensorimotor Adaptation. PLoS Biol 13(12): e1002312. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1002312