Exploring the Growth and Predictors of Fine Motor Skills in Young Children Aged 4–8 Years

Abstract

Fine motor skills (FMS) are fundamental for children’s growth, influencing their writing progress and everyday activities. However, the development of these skills is a multifaceted process that is affected by various factors. Consequently, it becomes essential to comprehend the disparities in children’s fine motor skills (FMS) development and the predictive factors. To address this aspect, we aimed to investigate the development of children’s FMS, and the factors that can predict their development. Our analysis encompassed comparing FMS development between the two countries, examining gender and age discrepancies, and discerning the variables that predict FMS development. Employing a reliable instrument (the FMS development battery), we conducted a survey study involving 3050 Hungarian children living in both Slovakia and Hungary. The analysis, powered by R packages, yielded significant findings. Notably, students from Slovakia showcased significantly higher levels of FMS compared to their counterparts from Hungary. Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy gender disparity, with female students outperforming male students in both countries. Additionally, differences emerged across various age groups, indicating that older age groups exhibited more advanced FMS compared to their younger counterparts. With the help of regression analyses, our research also revealed the direct impact of gender and age on students’ FMS development, while parental education entered an indirect influence on this aspect. These discoveries offer valuable insights for educational leaders and policymakers seeking to enhance children’s FMS.