A child may understand the goal—put on a jacket, copy a dance move or climb through a playground frame—yet struggle to organise the movements. They might pause, use extra effort, repeat an awkward approach or avoid the activity. Motor planning is the process of having an idea for movement, organising the steps and carrying them out. Difficulty here is not laziness or lack of interest.
Show the whole action, then shrink it
Demonstrate the task from the same viewpoint as the child whenever possible. Then choose one useful starting step. For putting on a coat, that might be finding the opening; for a ball game, it might be standing on a floor marker before throwing. Berkshire Healthcare’s motor-planning guidance suggests showing steps, marking physical boundaries and building gradually from two-step activities.
Use short, neutral language: “Feet on the line. Bend. Jump.” A photo sequence or tick-off strip can remain visible so the child does not also have to remember every instruction.
Practise through play, not pressure
Somerset NHS describes motor planning as thinking about, planning and then making a movement. Its practical advice includes obstacle courses, copying positions and construction activities. Try a low, safe route using tape, cushions and a hoop; animal walks; or building a model from two or three parts.
- Keep the environment uncluttered and the practice brief.
- Repeat the same movement pattern before changing it.
- Pause between steps and let the child watch first.
- Praise the strategy—“You checked the picture”—rather than speed or neatness.
Ask before offering hands-on guidance. Some children prefer a demonstration, mirror, floor marker or verbal cue. Stop if the activity causes pain, dizziness or distress. If movement difficulties frequently affect safety, self-care, school participation or confidence, discuss them with a qualified occupational therapist, physiotherapist or the child’s healthcare team.
For connected practice, see AutDHD’s guides to learning left and right through movement and inclusive physical education.
This is general information shared for parent awareness, not medical advice. Every child is different — please confirm decisions with your child’s doctor or a suitably qualified professional.