Help Your Kiddo Master Motor Planning
Have you ever watched a child struggle to figure out how to climb onto the playground, copy a new shape, or get dressed without help? These everyday challenges often come down to a skill called motor planning. It’s a behind-the-scenes brain process that plays a huge role in how children move, play, and participate in daily life.
Motor planning is the brain’s ability to think about, organize, and carry out a new or unfamiliar movement. It allows a child to figure out what to do, how to do it, and in what order—and then actually make their body do it.
For example, motor planning is what helps a child:
Climb onto playground equipment
Learn a new dance move
Figure out how to put on a shirt
Copy a new shape or letter
Navigate an obstacle course
Try a new sport or game
It’s different from muscle strength or coordination alone. A child can be strong and coordinated but still struggle with motor planning if their brain has difficulty organizing movements.
What Happens When Motor Planning Is Hard?
When a child has motor planning challenges (sometimes called dyspraxia), you may notice:
Difficulty learning new movements or games
Trouble copying actions or following movement directions
Seeming “clumsy” or awkward
Avoiding physical play
Taking a long time to complete tasks
Trouble sequencing steps (like getting dressed)
Frustration or low confidence with movement-based tasks
Why Motor Planning Is So Important to OTs
Motor planning is a core focus in pediatric occupational therapy because it impacts nearly every area of a child’s daily life.
OTs work on motor planning to help children:
Become more independent in self-care
Feel more confident in play and movement
Improve school readiness and participation
Build problem-solving skills through movement
Increase body awareness and coordination
Learn new motor skills more efficiently
Every child’s motor planning needs are different. If you’re looking for strategies or activities that fit your child, check in with your child’s OT for individualized ideas and support.
Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.