Early Childhood Education (ECE) NOCTI Practice Exam

Which activity is most appropriate to help children develop gross motor skills?

1. Building blocks

2. Riding tricycles

3. Playing with dolls

4. Drawing with crayons

The correct answer is: Riding tricycles

Riding tricycles is an excellent activity for helping children develop gross motor skills because it involves large muscle groups and promotes coordination, balance, and strength. As children pedal, steer, and navigate their surroundings, they enhance their physical abilities while also improving their spatial awareness and motor planning. This form of physical activity engages multiple systems within the body, encouraging cardiovascular fitness and muscle development. In contrast, building blocks primarily focus on fine motor skills, as the activity requires precision and dexterity to stack and balance the pieces. Playing with dolls involves imaginative play and can enhance social skills, but it does not significantly engage the gross motor skills needed for larger body movements. Similarly, drawing with crayons emphasizes fine motor control and hand-eye coordination but does not challenge or develop gross motor skills. Therefore, riding tricycles stands out as the most effective choice for promoting gross motor development in children.