What Is Motor Planning? – Why It Matters for Your Child
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What Is Motor Planning?
In simple terms, motor planning is your child’s brain and body team up to plan, organize, and then execute a movement that may be new or unfamiliar. According to occupational-therapy sources, it is the ability to “conceive, plan, and carry out a skilled, non-habitual motor act in the correct sequence from beginning to end.” (North Shore Pediatric Therapy)
It’s also known as praxis. (Sensational Development) When a child dresses themselves, jumps off a step, or plays catch, motor planning is at work: they imagine the action, figure out how to move their body, then do it. For example, one source describes how the brain must integrate sensory input (Is the surface slippery? How heavy is the ball?) and then plan accordingly. (The OT Toolbox)
Neurologically, studies show that motor planning involves areas like the primary motor cortex and somatosensory cortex preparing for movement. (PMC)
So for parents: when you see your child navigate an obstacle, climb, balance or jump, their motor-planning skills are in action.
Key Takeaways
- Motor planning is the brain’s method of imagining, sequencing and executing movements — from tying shoes to climbing safely.
- Children who struggle with motor planning may appear clumsy, slow to learn new tasks and avoid active play.
- Research shows the neural basis of motor planning involves brain regions linked to movement preparation and sensory feedback. (PubMed)
- Encouraging gross-motor and imaginative play (such as climbing, balancing, stepping) helps strengthen motor planning.
- Indoor active-play equipment that supports climbing, stepping and movement (such as what North&Nova offers) can be a smart way to build those skills at home.
Why Motor Planning Matters for Children
Foundational to everyday tasks
From brushing teeth, to climbing a play structure, to writing with a pencil—motor planning underpins both fine-motor and gross-motor activities. (The OT Toolbox)
Links to developmental skills & confidence
Children who struggle with motor planning may lag in milestones like hopping, balancing, swinging on playground equipment, or learning new physical games. They might seem “later” to climb, slower to adapt to new movement tasks, or less confident in active play. (lumierechild.com)
Supports academic and social growth
Because movement is tied to cognitive skills (sequencing, problem-solving, motor-cognitive integration), children who refine motor planning gain benefits beyond the physical. A source notes that motor planning contributes to “social and organizational abilities and academic performance.” (study.com)
Real-world stat for perspective
While research on exact prevalence of motor-planning difficulties in the general population of children is varied, one functional MRI study highlights that motor planning supports fast and accurate movement, meaning delays or inefficiencies can cascade into more noticeable challenges. (PMC)
Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling
Here are some indicators that your child’s motor planning may need support:
- Frequently appears clumsy or awkward when learning new movement tasks. (lumierechild.com)
- Goes slowly through activities requiring multiple steps (e.g., dressing, getting ready for bed). (North Shore Pediatric Therapy)
- Has difficulty with spatial awareness, bumping into things, or misjudging obstacles. (lumierechild.com)
- Avoids play that involves climbing, balancing or jumping, perhaps preferring less active tasks.
- May struggle when routines change or when asked to learn a new physical game.
If you recognise several of these patterns, it might be worth checking in with a pediatric-occupational therapist or movement professional.
How Parents Can Support Motor Planning at Home
Here are practical, research-backed strategies you can incorporate:
1. Encourage play that involves new and fun movement sequences
Games like obstacle courses (under, over, around), hopscotch, “Simon says” movement challenges — all help children plan movement, adjust and integrate sensory feedback. (ruh.nhs.uk)
2. Provide opportunities for gross-motor active play
Activities such as climbing, stepping, balancing promote planning of whole-body movement. Especially useful: equipment or setups that offer safe climbing, stepping, stacking in the home. (See how North&Nova’s foam-based playsets can help here.)
3. Make tasks multi-step and gradually increase complexity
Start simple (jump + land), then build: jump + spin + land; climb + slide; step + balance + reach. This helps the brain practise sequencing. (NAPA)
4. Create a safe, supportive environment for trial and error
Children learn planning through repeated attempts and adjusting feedback. A consistent setup where they feel safe experimenting helps. (Perkins School for the Blind)
5. Integrate into your home-decor play zone
If you value a play solution that blends into your home (not the bright-plastic-toy look), choosing stylish, durable indoor play equipment is smart. That’s where North&Nova’s foam climbers, rockers, steppers come in – designed for active gross-motor play yet home-friendly in design and built-to-last.
Why Choosing the Right Play Equipment Can Boost Motor Planning
Not all play equipment is equal. For motor planning to flourish, the setup should:
- Invite novel movement patterns (climbing, balancing, stepping)
- Be safe and durable (so children feel confident to take movement risks)
- Blend into the home space (so usage is frequent, not confined to “playtime only”)
That’s exactly what North&Nova delivers: Canadian-designed foam-based active playsets (climbers, rockers, steppers, beams, mats, bounce houses) built for children’s movement, yet styled to fit modern homes. The founder being a physiotherapist and mom of two brings movement-expertise to the brand.
When children engage regularly in active play in a safe home environment, motor-planning skills strengthen naturally, supporting the broader developmental benefits we discussed above.
When to Seek Professional Support
If your child misses multiple movement milestones (for example, difficulty climbing stairs, hopping, balancing by age 4–5), or you observe significant struggle with everyday tasks, it may be prudent to consult a pediatric occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Early intervention supports better outcomes. Studies show that motor-planning processes are supported by neural networks that benefit from practice and early training. (PMC)
Call to Action
If you’re a parent who values movement, style, and home-friendly design, consider exploring North&Nova’s collection of indoor active-play equipment. Our foam-based climbers, rockers, steppers and mats are crafted to support gross-motor development, motor-planning skills and imaginative play — while blending seamlessly into your living space. Visit our website today to find the perfect fit for your child’s growing movement-needs and your home décor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: At what age does motor planning start developing?
A: Motor-planning skills begin very early (as infants learn to roll, crawl, walk), but more complex planning (multi-step tasks, obstacle navigation) continues into childhood. Researchers have found children around ages 4–7 refine planning strategies for new tasks. (Wikipedia)
Q2: What’s the difference between motor planning and motor control?
A: Motor control refers to the ability to use muscles and coordination to execute movements. Motor planning is the step before that: deciding what to do, how to sequence it, then executing it. (Verywell Family)
Q3: Can motor-planning difficulties be fixed?
A: Yes — with purposeful practice, play, and sometimes professional support (occupational therapy). Repetition, sensory-rich movement, and multi-step tasks build stronger planning skills. (Perkins School for the Blind)
Q4: How can I tell if my child’s motor-planning issues are serious?
A: If your child consistently avoids movement tasks, struggles far more than peers, or shows delays in milestone movements (hopping, balancing, climbing) then it’s worth consulting a specialist.
Q5: What kinds of play best support motor planning?
A: Obstacle courses, climbing, balancing beams, stepping stones, jumping games, multi-step movement challenges, and any novel gross-motor activity that invites planning, sequencing and feedback. (ruh.nhs.uk)
Q6: Is indoor active play helpful for motor planning, or does it need to be outdoors?
A: Indoor active play absolutely helps (especially when outdoor options are limited). With the right equipment (safe stepping/climbing/movement zones), children can practise motor-planning skills in the living room, playroom or basement — making it accessible, regular and décor-friendly.
Conclusion
Understanding what is motor planning matters because it’s a foundational skill in your child’s movement development, learning, and confidence. By recognising when a child may need extra support, and by integrating the right kind of play—especially active, movement-rich play—you help build robust motor-planning skills that benefit not just physical tasks but broader life skills.
For parents seeking a stylish, effective way to support this at home, North&Nova offers thoughtfully designed indoor active-play solutions that align with this developmental goal. Explore the range and make movement, play and growth part of your child’s everyday environment.