Data on gross motor development of the infant

Abstract

The author presents a study of motor development in the Institute under her direction. Under the conditions created in the Institute, the children's motor activity is continually ensured throughout the period of motor development. The most recent research tends to show that it is precisely the motor and other kinesthetic activities carried out by the child himself on his own initiative which are most important for the development of the mental functions. It is on the basis of these facts‐ by comparing the usual, typical motor development, directly influenced by adults, with that not under direct influence but in contact with environmental factors (material and people), that we can consider the most physiological side of this development. Due to the fact that the children are more independent and therefore less in need of adult help, the course of motor development exercises a positive influence on calm, well‐balanced child‐adult relationships, which are most important in institutions, and of considerable interest at home as well. Mothers and child nurses thus economize time, which they can. put to good use by applying useful and necessary ideas for the education of their children or of the children they have in custody.