 Motor (physical) development follows a specific pattern.

The rate
may be affected by Culture, Genetic endowment and the
Environment. Discuss

 Erik Erikson’s table of the 8 stages of psychosocial development.

MILESTONES IN PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
 GROWTH AND WEIGHT
 MOTOR SKILLS (GROSS AND FINE)
GROWTH AND WEIGHT
Myths and half-truths abound in the area of children's growth. For
example, many people believe that children grow in fits and starts, that
is, they grow, then fill out, then grow again. But if measurements are
taken carefully, the rate of growth is actually fairly regular (Tanner,
1978).
The rate of growth slows during the early childhood years. About twice
as much growth occurs between the first and third years as between
the third and fifth During early childhood, the years (Cratty, 1970).
However, growth is still readily apparent during this period.
Looking at figures can often be misleading however, because variation
from the statistical average is to be expected. Also, simply comparing a
child's height or weight to an average does not tell a doctor or a parent
whether the child has a growth problem. Statistical variation must be
taken in to account.
In order to determine if the growth/weight relationship is as problem,
scientists usually speak of a range of heights and weights which is usual
for a child of a certain age in a particular culture.
The heights and weights of many children are measured and then
divided into percentiles, the 50th percentile being the average.
Then the height and weight below which 25 percent and above which
75 percent of all boys or girls of a certain age fall is found, and this
becomes the range that is considered normal.
Whenever the height/weight combination falls outside of this ‘normal’
percentile range, a closer look will be taken at the parents to see if their
genetic characteristics may have been passed on. (e.g The parents are
very short or very tall.)
However, percentile analysis may alert to a possible problem, and many
physicians will look into the situation to see if environmental concerns,
such as poor nutrition, are adversely affecting the child’s expected
development path.

Motor Skills – (Gross/Fine)

By the beginning of the early childhood period, children have mastered
the basics of walking and no longer have to pay much attention to
standing steadily on two feet. Now they attempt to master the physical
environment. They are as likely to run as to walk, their movements are
smoother, and they turn corners better.
The development of gross motor skills, such as running, hopping, and
climbing, is both sequential and readily visible. But the advances in fine
motor control are also impressive, although fine motor control lags
behind gross muscle development and control. The subtler
development of fine motor control shows itself in the way a child
controls a crayon or pencil. This is also follows a predictable sequence
as the table illustrates.
(Kaplan, 1986, pp. 317-318)
Drawing is a valuable childhood activity. It helps develop children's fine
motor and eye-hand coordination skills, and it gives children an
opportunity to display their creativity. Yet adults often judge children's
art by adult standards. Children learn to conform to their parents' view
of the world and keep their creativity within the bounds of adult
acceptance. Certainly children must learn the difference between
reality and fantasy, but this need not mean having to draw absolute
realism. (Kaplan, 1986, p. 321)
Here we have an example of home environment having an effect on the
fine motor skills development of the child: A negative response to the
child’s natural creative means of expression may hinder the interest in
performing future activities.
Erik Erikson’s table of the 8 stages of psychosocial development.

(Duane Shultz, 2009, p. 212)

Boyd, D. G., & Bee, H. L. (2014). The Developing Child. Pearson New International Edition.

Duane Shultz, S. S. (2009). Theories of Personality.

Kaplan. (1986). A Child's Odyssey- Child and adolescent developement.

Shaffer, D. R., & Kipp, K. (2013). Developmental Pyschology - Childhood and Adolescence. Cengage
Learning.