Physical Development & Motor Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real CDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Physical Development & Motor Skills flashcards as text
Which activity BEST supports fine motor development in toddlers?
Answer: Tearing paper, using large crayons, and filling/dumping containers
Tearing paper and filling/dumping containers develop the hand strength and pincer grasp control that are foundational fine motor skills for toddlers.
What is the recommended daily minimum of physical activity for preschool-aged children according to national health guidelines?
Answer: 60 minutes of structured + 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity
National guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of structured and 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity daily for preschoolers.
A 5-year-old struggles with cutting along a straight line with scissors. What is the MOST developmentally appropriate response?
Answer: Provide cutting activities with thick lines, varied paper textures, and regular practice
Providing varied, engaging cutting practice with thick guide lines builds scissor control gradually through repeated, appropriately challenging experience.
Which gross motor skill is typically emerging in children around 3 years of age?
Answer: Catching a ball with two hands, running, and jumping with two feet
Three-year-olds typically run more smoothly, jump with both feet, and are beginning to catch large balls — these are expected developmental milestones.
How does outdoor play primarily support young children's physical development?
Answer: By providing space and equipment for gross motor skills, coordination, and sensory exploration
Outdoor environments provide the space, equipment, and terrain for gross motor skill development, coordination, and whole-body sensory exploration that indoor spaces cannot replicate.
A teacher notices that several infants in her care have not yet rolled from back to front by 6 months. What should she do first?
Answer: Provide supervised tummy time daily and share observations with families; note patterns for possible referral if persistent
Providing supported tummy time and communicating observations with families is the appropriate first response, with referral considered if the pattern persists.