The First Three years of

Physical Development
Motor Development
□ Reflexes

□ Gross Motor Skills

□ Fine Motor Skills

 Reflexes
-are genetically carried survival mechanisms, that govern the newborn’s
movements.

□ Sucking Reflex
□ Rooting Refelex
□ Moro Reflex
□ Grasping Reflex
 The Sucking Reflex
-occurs when newborns automatically suck an object placed in their mouth.
The Rooting Reflex
-occurs when the infant’s check is stroked or the side of the mouth is touched.
The Moro Reflex
-a neonatal startle response that occurs in response to a sudden, intense noise or
movement.
The Grasping Reflex
-occurs when something touches the infant’s palms.
Gross Motor Skilss
-involve large muscle activities, such as moving one’s arm and
walking.

Fine Motor Skills

- Involve more finely tuned movements, such as finger dexterity.