Movement is a child’s first language. Through their body, a child explores, communicates, expresses themselves and learns. Motor skills – whether gross (running, jumping, balance) or fine (cutting, drawing, writing) – are essential not only to physical activity but to cognitive, social and emotional development.
Screening motor skills gives a detailed picture of how a child uses their body in everyday activities and in educational settings, helping parents notice possible delays or particularities in neuromotor development.
What are motor skills?
Motor skills refer to:
- gross motor skills: general coordination, balance, postural control, jumping, running, going up and down stairs, and so on;
- fine motor skills: handling small objects, drawing lines or shapes, threading beads, cutting, using cutlery, holding writing implements correctly;
- hand–eye coordination: integrating visual information with movement (for example catching a ball, drawing a line within an outline);
- spatial orientation and bodily organisation.
The development of these abilities is closely tied to the maturation of the nervous system and has a direct impact on a child’s capacity to learn and adapt.
How does the screening work?
The screening is adapted to three age levels: 3–4 years, 4–5 years and 5–7 years. The assessment is based on standardised questionnaires completed by parents and, where possible, by teaching staff, who observe the child in group settings, guided movement and creative activities.
At 3–4, a child begins to steady their walking, can go up and down stairs, throws and catches large objects, and tries to use a pencil or spoon with a dominant hand.
Between 4 and 5, movements become more controlled: the child can draw simple shapes, cut along an outline and coordinate their movements with greater precision.
At 5–7, motor skills refine visibly: the child is able to write letters, cut accurately, carry out more complex physical tasks and take part successfully in team games or light sporting activities.
What signs may suggest a motor difficulty?
- Frequent stumbling, poor balance, uncertainty in movement;
- Refusal of activities involving movement (jumping, running, climbing);
- Evident problems with hand–eye coordination (difficulty catching a ball, colouring outside the lines);
- Difficulty using small objects (buttons, pencils, cutlery);
- Rapid tiredness during motor tasks, or refusal to repeat them.
These signs can indicate a slower pace of neuromotor development, or they may express wider sensorimotor difficulties that are worth exploring.
What happens after the screening?
After analysing the questionnaires, we discuss the child’s current level of motor development. Depending on the needs identified, I may recommend:
- age-appropriate motor exercises and games to do at home;
- involving the child in activities that stimulate bodily control (dance, art, light sport);
- working with the teacher to adapt motor demands;
- referral for a psychomotor or sensory-integration assessment, where there are warning signs.
The aim is not performance but natural, well-supported and balanced progress, at the child’s own pace.
Why does motor screening matter?
🔹 Because movement supports learning and brain development.
🔹 Because motor skills influence self-confidence and relationships with others.
🔹 Because motor difficulties can be hidden sources of frustration or avoidance.
🔹 Because early intervention is simple and effective in most cases.
Frequently asked questions about motor screening
Is it normal for a four-year-old not to hold a pencil well?
Yes, up to a point. But if the grip does not improve over time, or the child avoids drawing activities, it is worth checking other components of fine motor skill as well.
What can I do at home to help?
After interpreting the screening, I will give you a list of activities adapted to your child’s level. In general, games involving cutting, modelling, drawing and building are excellent.
My child refuses games involving running. Is that a warning sign?
It can be. Refusal can hide physical discomfort, motor insecurity or fear of failure. It is worth exploring gently.
Is the screening a substitute for physiotherapy?
No. The screening is a triage step. If significant difficulties are identified, I may recommend further assessment with specialists in motor development or sensory integration.
If you have noticed difficulties with coordination, delays in motor milestones or hesitancy in movement, motor screening can clarify the situation and guide the next steps.
How it works in practice
Psychometric instruments are not used in isolation. At the practice, a test forms part of a complete psychological assessment: clinical interview, choice of the instruments suited to your question, interpretation, a written report and a session in which I explain the results in language you can go on using.
👉 See how a psychological assessment works
👉 Adults with difficulties of attention and organisation
👉 Neurofeedback for adults — anxiety, sleep, focus
Cabinet Individual de Psihologie Ileana Vlad · Corbeanca, Ilfov · 0753 453 262