From the moment a baby first wraps their tiny fingers around yours or kicks their legs in excitement, they’re beginning a remarkable adventure — one powered by movement. Every stretch, crawl, hop and scribble helps shape how they grow, learn and see the world.
In its latest educational guide for parents and caregivers, Dibber International Preschools South Africa explores how movement fuels development and why both fine and gross motor skills play such vital roles in early childhood.
“These two areas of development work hand in hand,” explains Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber South Africa. “By supporting both through intentional play and daily routines, we help young children build the physical confidence and independence they need to explore their world and thrive within it.”
Fine vs Gross: What’s the Difference?
Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements such as grasping a crayon, threading beads or fastening buttons. They rely on hand-eye coordination and concentration, providing children with the dexterity to tackle detailed tasks.
Gross motor skills, meanwhile, involve larger movements, such as running, jumping, crawling, and climbing. These rely on the large muscle groups in the arms, legs, back, and core — crucial for balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Together, these two skill sets form the foundation for everything from eating and dressing to writing and active play. They’re also key for school readiness and for developing a confident, capable approach to life.
“We may not think twice about actions like turning a page or climbing stairs,” adds Assis, “but for a child, these are milestones that build resilience, control and self-esteem.”
Age-Appropriate Milestones
Wondering what to expect as your child grows? Dibber’s guide outlines key milestones, helping parents know what to look for and when.
Fine Motor Skills
• 0–6 months: grasping objects, swinging arms
• 3–5 years: drawing circles, buttoning clothes
Gross Motor Skills
• 1–3 years: walking, jumping with both feet
• 6 years: skipping rope, walking a balance beam
Keeping track of these milestones helps parents recognise healthy progress — and identify when a little extra support may be helpful.
Everyday Spaces, Everyday Movement
You don’t need special classes or expensive equipment to support your child’s development. Every day spaces are full of opportunities to move, play and learn.
Parks, beaches and nature reserves across South Africa — from Johannesburg’s Delta Park to Durban’s coastal promenades — provide perfect settings for climbing, balancing and exploring.
“Our message to parents is simple: movement is learning,” says Assis. “Whether it’s scootering through a park or stacking blocks at home, every action strengthens the brain-body connection that drives future learning.”
