Early Childhood Education (ECE) NOCTI Practice Exam

Which activity is likely to develop gross motor skills in children?

1. Finger painting

2. Playing hopscotch

3. Singing a song

4. Cutting shapes with scissors

The correct answer is: Playing hopscotch

Playing hopscotch is highly effective in developing gross motor skills in children. Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups to perform movements that require balance, coordination, and control. In hopscotch, children engage in activities such as hopping, skipping, jumping, and landing on one foot or two feet. These movements enhance their strength and coordination while also improving their spatial awareness and balance. In contrast, the other options focus more on fine motor skills or cognitive development rather than gross motor skills. Finger painting primarily involves the use of hands and fingers, which enhances dexterity rather than large muscle control. Singing a song may support language development and rhythm but does not significantly challenge gross motor abilities. Similarly, cutting shapes with scissors emphasizes precision and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for fine motor skills but not for gross motor skills.