How to Improve Preschoolers Motor Skills: Proven Preschool Motor Skill Development Tips with Fine Motor Skills Activities for Preschoolers
What Are Motor Skill Development in Preschoolers and Why Do They Matter?
Imagine your preschooler’s motor skills as the engine that powers their daily adventures, from holding a crayon to climbing playground equipment. Motor skill development in preschoolers is crucial because it lays the foundation for their independence and confidence. These skills are split into two main categories: fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills, like picking up tiny beads or buttoning shirts, involve small muscle groups, whereas gross motor skills rely on larger movements such as running or jumping.
To put it in perspective, fine motor skills are like the delicate gears in a watch, precisely moving tiny parts, while gross motor skills resemble the car’s engine, powering broad, energetic motions. Research shows children with well-developed motor skills at age 4 tend to score 20% higher in school performance by age 7. That’s why knowing how to improve preschoolers motor skills is so important to parents and educators alike.
Who Benefits Most from Preschool Motor Skill Development Tips?
This topic is especially relevant for parents, preschool teachers, and pediatric therapists aiming to support kids during a critical stage of growth. Did you know 70% of motor delays in preschool children can be effectively addressed BEFORE starting school? That’s a huge opportunity for early intervention! For example, parents noticing their child struggling to hold scissors can implement targeted fine motor skills activities for preschoolers at home to boost dexterity.
Teachers who integrate these activities into daily routines often report a 30% faster improvement in the class’s average motor skills milestones. This shows how simple but well-planned exercises can make a measurable difference.
When Should You Start Focusing on Motor Skill Development in Preschoolers?
Ideally, attention to motor skills begins well before preschool, but the preschool years (ages 3–5) are like the “golden window.” During this period, children’s brains and muscles are like sponges soaking up all learning opportunities. Statistics suggest that 85% of essential early childhood motor development milestones are met during these crucial years.
Imagine building a house—if the foundation is shaky or incomplete, the walls won’t stand strong. Similarly, preschool years are the foundation for motor skills. Starting fine motor skills activities for preschoolers during these years is like pouring solid concrete before constructing the roof.
Where Can You See the Impact of Well-Designed Preschool Motor Skill Development Tips?
The impact shows up everywhere! From a child threading beads in a pretend jewelry shop to confidently climbing jungle gyms or biking on their first tricycle, motor skills touch every aspect of life. Scientifically, kids with advanced motor skills participate more in physical play, reducing childhood obesity rates by up to 25%. This boost in activity positively affects their cognitive and social skills, proving that motor skills are interconnected with overall development.
Preschools that use targeted exercises observe fewer incidents of behavioral issues, correlating to kids feeling more competent and less frustrated when they master new skills. This is why implementing preschool motor skill development tips in both home and educational settings is a winning strategy.
How Can You Implement Proven Fine Motor Skills Activities for Preschoolers Today? Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started might feel overwhelming, but let’s break it down with proven, easy-to-do strategies that fit into busy family and school lives. Here’s how to get real results:
- 🎨 Creative Art Projects: Provide children with crayons, scissors, and glue. These tools encourage hand-eye coordination and finger strength. For example, let your child cut out shapes from paper and glue them into a collage.
- 🧩 Puzzle Time: Simple jigsaw puzzles improve spatial awareness and finger dexterity. Start with big pieces and gradually move to smaller ones as skills improve.
- 🎲 Building Blocks: Playing with Lego or wooden blocks helps practice grasping and precision.
- 🍽️ Practical Tasks: Encourage buttoning coats or using utensils during meals to refine fine motor control.
- 🧵 Threading Activities: Beading necklaces or lacing cards challenge finger control and patience.
- ✂️ Scissor Skills: Supervised cutting along lines strengthens hand muscles necessary for writing.
- 📚 Story Time Interaction: Turning pages in a book teaches grip and coordinated finger movement.
Embedding these practices into daily play creates a natural learning environment where children feel motivated and engaged. On average, children practicing such activities 20 minutes a day increase fine motor skills by 35% within three months.
Common Myths and How to Avoid Mistakes in Preschool Motor Skill Development
There’s a myth that motor skill delays are “just a phase” and will fix themselves. The truth? Nearly 40% of untreated delays persist and impact school readiness. Another misconception is that tablets and digital games alone can develop motor skills. While appealing, they often miss the hands-on approach critical for true muscle development.
Here are some #pros# and #cons# of using digital devices in motor skill development:
- 📱 #pros# Engages attention, introduces patterns and timing.
- 📵 #cons# Limited tactile experience, less physical activity.
To maximize benefits, combine digital and physical play. For instance, after a motor skill app session, encourage your child to do related practical exercises like stacking cups or stringing beads.
Research Insights: Effective Approaches to Preschool Motor Skill Development Tips
Scientific studies back the importance of varied, repetitive motor skill exercises over passive observation. According to a 2022 study from the Pediatric Exercise Science Journal, children practicing fine motor tasks daily improved writing skills 40% faster compared to those with less frequent practice. Another study found that kids who engage in targeted activities show a 30% increase in neural connectivity related to motor planning.
Just like muscles need exercise to grow stronger, the brain pathways responsible for movement strengthen with repeated activity—think of it as “muscle memory” for the brain. That’s why structured fine motor skills activities for preschoolers combined with natural play form the strongest foundation.
Table: Typical Early Childhood Motor Development Milestones and Activities to Support Them
| Age (Years) | Milestone | Recommended Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Starts stacking blocks | Building blocks play |
| 2.5 | Turns pages of a book singly | Storybook reading |
| 3 | Can copy circles and simple shapes | Coloring and drawing circles |
| 3.5 | Uses scissors to cut paper | Supervised cutting tasks |
| 4 | Can button and unbutton clothes | Dressing practice games |
| 4.5 | Strings small beads | Threading necklaces |
| 5 | Writes some letters | Tracing letters and shapes |
| 5 | Balances on one foot | Balance beam games |
| 5 | Throws and catches a ball | Ball games outside |
| 5 | Completes puzzles with 20+ pieces | Puzzle play |
Practical Tips to Boost Your Child’s Motor Skills Starting Today
- 🌟 Set a specific time daily for fine motor skills activities for preschoolers.
- 🌟 Choose age-appropriate tools like child-safe scissors and large beads.
- 🌟 Make activities fun and related to real-life tasks (like setting the table).
- 🌟 Celebrate small wins to motivate continuous effort.
- 🌟 Avoid overuse of screens; encourage hands-on toys.
- 🌟 Partner with preschool teachers for consistent development plans.
- 🌟 Record progress to track improvement and adjust activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How quickly can preschoolers improve their motor skills with these tips?
Improvement varies, but research shows visible progress within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent practice. Integrating daily 20-minute sessions of fine motor skills activities for preschoolers can yield a 30-40% improvement in dexterity.
Q2: What’s the difference between fine motor skills and gross motor skills exercises?
Fine motor skills involve small muscle movements like writing or buttoning, while gross motor skills include larger body motions like running or jumping. Both develop through targeted activities but require different approaches.
Q3: Can digital games be part of effective motor skill development?
Yes, but they should complement, not replace, physical activities. Digital games can encourage pattern recognition and timing, but hands-on experiences build strength and coordination better.
Q4: When should I worry about delayed motor skill development?
If your preschooler shows no improvement in basic tasks like holding utensils, stacking blocks, or walking steadily by age 4, consult a pediatric specialist. Early intervention is key.
Q5: What are some budget-friendly activities for motor skill development?
Simple household items like buttons, string, paper, and crayons can support many fine motor skills activities for preschoolers. Outdoor games requiring running, hopping, or throwing are also free and effective.
Q6: Are motor skills linked to academic success?
Absolutely. Kids with better motor skills tend to excel in handwriting, focus, and classroom behavior. Studies link early motor development with improved reading and math performance later.
Q7: Can motor skill delays affect social skills?
Yes, frustration from struggling with motor tasks can impact confidence, leading to social withdrawal. Supporting motor development helps children engage more fully with peers.
What Are Gross Motor Skills Exercises and How Do They Differ From Motor Skill Games for Kids?
Have you ever noticed how toddlers love to run, jump, and climb? Those aren’t just play—they’re essential gross motor skills exercises for toddlers that develop large muscle groups responsible for movement and balance. On the other hand, the best motor skill games for kids often combine fun and challenge, blending physical activity with problem-solving to enhance both gross and fine motor skills.
Think of gross motor skills exercises as the gym workouts of early childhood—deliberate, repetitive movements focusing on strength and coordination. Meanwhile, motor skill games are like obstacle courses filled with exciting tasks that children eagerly tackle, often unaware theyre boosting vital developmental milestones. Experts say that combining both leads to faster achievement of early childhood motor development milestones.
Who Should Use Gross Motor Skills Exercises vs. Motor Skill Games?
Parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators often wrestle with a common question: Should I focus more on structured gross motor exercises or choose playful motor skill games to help my child grow? The answer depends largely on the childs individual needs and interests.
For toddlers who are just starting to master walking and balance, structured gross motor skills exercises for toddlers can provide needed guidance and safety. For example, a toddler practicing deliberate"animal walks" (like crab walks or bear crawls) develops coordination and muscle strength in a controlled way. This targeted approach benefits children with delayed milestones or lower physical confidence.
Conversely, older preschoolers thrive on the stimulating challenge of the best motor skill games for kids, which mix fun with physical activity — like relay races, hopscotch, or ball-throwing games. These games spark motivation and promote social interaction, making motor development a natural part of play.
When Is the Best Time to Implement These Activities for Maximum Impact?
Timing is everything when fostering healthy motor development. For toddlers (ages 1-3), introducing structured gross motor skills exercises for toddlers benefits foundational skills. This is the stage where balance, walking up stairs, and jumping begin to bloom. Research shows that toddlers doing daily gross motor practice improve their walking stability by up to 25% within two months.
Between ages 3-5, children reach a critical window where introducing the best motor skill games for kids not only enhances physical abilities but also cognitive flexibility and social skills. Studies reveal that children engaged in motor skill games three times a week develop coordination 30% faster than peers who don’t. Integrating both methods throughout these stages offers a powerful synergy, accelerating early childhood motor development milestones.
Where Can You Safely Practice Gross Motor Skills Exercises and Motor Skill Games?
Location matters—a lot. Safe, spacious environments enhance confidence and allow freedom to explore physical abilities. Playgrounds with soft surfaces and climbing frames are perfect for both structured exercises and motor skill games. For example, a toddler practicing balance beams on playground equipment safely develops coordination, while older kids playing tag improve agility and endurance simultaneously.
Indoor settings like childcare centers or homes equipped with foam mats, small obstacles, and balls also work well. According to a study published by the International Journal of Early Childhood Education, children playing in safe indoor spaces increased gross motor activity time by 40%, helping meet recommended activity levels.
Choosing the right environment is like picking a race track for a car: smooth, safe, and designed to support peak performance without unnecessary risk.
Why Do Structured Gross Motor Skills Exercises and Motor Skill Games Differ in Effectiveness?
At first glance, both approaches seem equally helpful, but they cater to different developmental needs. Structured gross motor skills exercises for toddlers target specific muscle groups and balance milestones through repetitive, focused movements. This is like training a muscle for a specific sport, developing strength and endurance systematically.
Meanwhile, the best motor skill games for kids stimulate multiple skills simultaneously, including coordination, social interaction, and problem-solving. Games encourage creativity and adaptive thinking, which sharpens motor skills in a broad, engaging context. Think of it as cross-training multiple muscles and areas of the brain for overall fitness.
Here’s a breakdown of the #pros# and #cons# of each approach:
- 🦵 #pros# Gross motor exercises build focused strength and balance.
- 🤸 #cons# Can become repetitive and boring if not varied.
- 🎯 #pros# Motor skill games increase motivation and cognitive engagement.
- ⚠️ #cons# May lack targeted muscle conditioning.
How to Combine the Two for Quick and Lasting Progress: Detailed Steps
Combine the best of both worlds by alternating days of focused gross motor skills exercises for toddlers and fun-filled best motor skill games for kids. Here’s a step-by-step plan for a weekly routine:
- 🏃 Monday: Turtle crawl and crab walk exercises to build core strength and coordination.
- 🤾 Tuesday: Play “Simon Says” with motor challenges like hopping or balancing.
- 🦶 Wednesday: Practice walking heel-to-toe on a taped line indoors.
- 🚴 Thursday: Organize a relay race involving running and ball carrying.
- 🧗 Friday: Use playground equipment for climbing and swinging practice.
- 🤹 Saturday: Game day! Introduce games like hopscotch or beanbag toss.
- 🧘 Sunday: Gentle stretching and balance poses to improve body awareness.
Studies indicate that children following mixed routines can surpass milestone achievement rates by 20% compared to single-method programs. Consistency plus variety keeps toddlers interested and muscles well-rounded.
Research Data: Comparing the Effectiveness of Exercises and Games
| Activity Type | Average Age | Time per Session (minutes) | Frequency per Week | Improvement in Milestones (%) | Social Engagement | Physical Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Motor Skills Exercises | 2 | 15 | 5 | 25% | Moderate | Improved |
| Motor Skill Games | 4 | 30 | 3 | 30% | High | High |
| Combined Approach | 3.5 | 20 | 5 | 45% | Very High | Very High |
| Gross Motor Skills Exercises | 1.5 | 10 | 3 | 20% | Low | Moderate |
| Motor Skill Games | 5 | 40 | 4 | 35% | Very High | High |
| Passive Play | 2-4 | 60 | 7 | 5% | Low | Low |
| Gross Motor Skills Exercises | 3 | 20 | 4 | 28% | Moderate | Improved |
| Motor Skill Games | 3.5 | 25 | 3 | 32% | High | High |
| Combined Approach | 4 | 30 | 6 | 50% | Very High | Very High |
| None (Control Group) | 2-5 | 0 | 0 | 0% | Low | Low |
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions to Avoid
Parents often make the mistake of pushing too hard with exercises or games, leading to burnout or frustration. Another misconception is thinking that motor skill games alone can meet all developmental needs. Overlooking the importance of targeted gross motor skills exercises for toddlers can leave gaps in muscle strength and control.
Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls:
- ⏰ Don’t over-schedule; keep sessions short and fun.
- 🔄 Rotate between exercises and games to maintain interest.
- ⚖️ Adjust activities to child’s interests and abilities.
- ✅ Always supervise to ensure safety during active play.
- 📋 Track progress but stay flexible with routines.
- 🎉 Celebrate efforts, not just results, to build motivation.
- 🛑 Avoid comparing your child too harshly with peers.
Future Directions in Motor Skill Development: Where Are We Headed?
Researchers are now exploring how technology can blend with traditional motor skill practices to boost outcomes. For example, interactive augmented reality games that encourage big body movements are starting to show promise. Future studies aim to quantify how these hybrid approaches compare to classic exercises and games.
Moreover, ongoing research looks at personalized motor skill programs tailored to each child’s neuromuscular profile, which could revolutionize early intervention. Imagine a future where a toddler’s favorite video game doubles as a scientifically designed therapy tool helping to speed up early childhood motor development milestones!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are gross motor skills exercises better for toddlers than games?
It depends on the child’s developmental stage and needs. For toddlers mastering walking and balance, exercises provide structured strengthening. For preschoolers, games add motivation and cognitive challenges that enhance development.
Q2: How often should my child do these activities?
Aim for at least 20-30 minutes per day, mixing structured exercises and games throughout the week to maintain engagement and balanced progress.
Q3: Can these activities help children with delays?
Absolutely. Early intervention using targeted gross motor skills exercises for toddlers combined with motivating games can close developmental gaps effectively.
Q4: What equipment is needed for these exercises and games?
Basic household items like balls, cones, tape for lines, and safe playground equipment work well. Specialized sensory toys can enhance exercises but aren’t required.
Q5: Is it okay if my child refuses certain activities?
Yes, forced participation often backfires. Try offering choices among enjoyable exercises and games to encourage natural engagement.
Q6: How can I track progress in motor milestones?
Use milestone checklists provided by pediatricians or early education specialists and note improvements in coordination, balance, and strength over time.
Q7: Can screen time replace physical motor skill development?
No, excessive screen time often reduces physical activity and can hinder early childhood motor development milestones. Aim for balanced, hands-on play.
Who Can Benefit from a Step-by-Step Guide to Motor Skill Development in Preschoolers?
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator wondering exactly how to improve preschoolers motor skills, this step-by-step guide is crafted just for you! Preschoolers, typically aged 3 to 5, are in a critical period for motor skill mastery, and guiding them through structured activities can significantly impact their physical, cognitive, and social growth. About 65% of children who receive consistent motor skill support during preschool years show stronger coordination and readiness for school tasks compared to their peers.
Whether you’ve noticed your child struggling with tasks like buttoning clothes or balancing on one foot, or you simply want to boost their confidence and dexterity early, this guide delivers easy-to-follow methods backed by expert research and real-world examples.
What Are the Most Effective Steps to Support Motor Skill Development in Preschoolers?
Motor skill development involves both fine motor skills—for precise movements like holding a pencil—and gross motor skills, which include running, jumping, and throwing. Here’s a clear, practical sequence to help your preschooler develop these skills step-by-step:
- 🔍 Assessment: Observe what your child can do and where they struggle. For example, can they use utensils easily? Are they steady when climbing stairs?
- 🎯 Set Goals: Choose specific motor skills to target, like improving finger strength or increasing balance time on one foot.
- 🧩 Choose Activities: Select tailored activities; for fine motor skills, try bead threading, while for gross motor, encourage hopping games.
- ⏰ Schedule Regular Practice: Consistency matters. Aim for short, daily sessions—around 15 to 20 minutes—to keep your child engaged.
- 🤗 Provide Encouragement: Celebrate small wins enthusiastically. Positive feedback boosts motivation and perseverance.
- 📈 Track Progress: Keep a journal or video log to notice improvements and adjust activities accordingly.
- 🔄 Adapt and Evolve: As skills improve, increase activity complexity or introduce new challenges to maintain growth.
This structured flow helps prevent overwhelming your child and creates a rewarding path that feels like a fun game, not a chore.
When Should You Start Each Step for Optimal Progress?
Starting early is key, but timing each step wisely ensures progress without frustration. Begin with assessment as soon as you notice your child facing difficulty or around age 3 as a routine check. Target small goals every 2-4 weeks to allow time for your child to adapt.
For example, a 3-year-old struggling to grip crayons can start with simple coloring tasks for two weeks, then move to cutting paper as finger strength improves. Gross motor goals, like balancing on one foot, typically emerge around age 4 and can be introduced gradually alongside activities such as hopscotch. Spreading the steps over months ensures steady, lasting progress instead of rushed developments.
Where Can You Implement These Motor Skill Development Activities?
Flexibility is your friend. Activities can be done almost anywhere—home, preschool, or park settings. Here are practical spots that foster motor skill growth:
- 🏡 Home: Use safe spaces like the living room floor or kitchen table for bead threading or drawing.
- 🏫 Preschool: Incorporate games during recess or free play, such as obstacle courses boosting gross motor control.
- 🌳 Parks and Playgrounds: Encourage climbing, running, and jumping on age-appropriate equipment.
- 🚶 Walks and Errands: Turn everyday activities into skill practices, like balancing on curbs or opening jars.
- 🏠 Indoor Play Areas: Use foam mats or soft surfaces for balancing exercises or simple dance routines.
- 🎨 Creative Corners: Set up art stations for fine motor precision through painting or collage-making.
- 🤸 Community Centers: Join toddler or preschool movement classes designed by experts.
Remember, changing environments helps children generalize skills, making motor abilities flexible and automatic throughout daily life.
Why Does a Step-by-Step Approach Work Better Than Random Play?
While free play is valuable, research shows that combining play with a structured motor skill development plan benefits children more effectively. Think of it as learning to cook: following a recipe step-by-step leads to a reliable dish, while random throwing ingredients together might create chaos.
Experts like occupational therapists emphasize targeted interventions to address specific motor delays. Studies reveal that children following a step-by-step motor plan improve hand-eye coordination 40% faster than those relying on unstructured play alone. This method ensures that children not only “play” but also practice necessary skills with intention.
Practical Examples of Successful Motor Skill Development Activities
Let’s explore some hands-on examples that parents and educators have found powerful:
- ✂️ Button Sorting and Fastening: Lay out buttons of various sizes and ask your child to sort and fasten them on felt boards. This activity builds hand-eye coordination and fine motor precision.
- 🌈 Hopscotch with Number Recognition: Draw a simple hopscotch and encourage hopping on one foot while calling out numbers. Combines gross motor and cognitive skills.
- 🖍️ Tracing Letters and Shapes: Use finger paint or sand trays for tracing, strengthening finger muscles needed for writing.
- 🧵 Bead Stringing: Different-sized beads improve pincer grasp and patience. Use colorful beads to keep interest high.
- 🚴 Balance Bike Rides: Riding balance bikes develops core stability and coordination even before pedal biking.
- 👟 Obstacle Course: Set up simple indoor or outdoor courses with crawling, jumping, and balancing stations.
- 📦 Box Building: Using cardboard boxes to stack and build encourages spatial awareness and fine motor control.
Expert Advice: Quotes and Insights
Dr. Jane Smith, a leading pediatric occupational therapist, says, “Motor skills are the building blocks of confidence and independence. When parents engage children with consistent, purposeful activities, they create a lifelong foundation for success, both physically and academically.”
Similarly, renowned child psychologist Dr. Alan Green highlights, “Early motor skill development unlocks brain pathways that encourage problem-solving and social skills development. It’s not just about muscles—it’s about the mind-body connection.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Parents sometimes expect overnight miracles or overwhelm children with too many activities, leading to frustration. Others may skip documentation of progress, making it hard to tailor efforts effectively.
To avoid these, remember:
- ⏳ Be patient—motor development is a marathon, not a sprint.
- 🧩 Focus on one or two skills at a time.
- 📋 Keep a simple progress log.
- 🎉 Use positive reinforcement consistently.
- 🎨 Make activities playful and engaging, avoiding pressuring your child.
- 🛑 Recognize when to seek professional help for persistent difficulties.
- 🌈 Encourage variety to develop a broad skill set.
Analyzing Possible Risks and How to Address Them
Motor skill development isn’t without challenges. Overuse injuries, loss of interest, or frustration pose risks. To minimize:
- 🛡️ Always prioritize safety with proper supervision.
- 💡 Rotate activities to keep them fresh.
- 🤝 Pay attention to your child’s cues and rest when needed.
- 👩⚕️ Consult therapists if milestones lag dramatically.
Tips to Optimize Current Motor Skill Strategies
- 👨👩👧👦 Involve siblings or friends—social interaction enhances motivation.
- 🎵 Use music and rhythm to make exercises enjoyable.
- 📱 Use videos or apps that demonstrate exercises for variety.
- ♻️ Recycle everyday tasks into skill-building opportunities.
- 🏆 Set small rewards for achievements to encourage persistence.
- 🌟 Mix indoor and outdoor activities for diverse motor challenges.
- 📅 Review and revise goals regularly based on progress.
Research and Experiments Supporting Lasting Progress
Scientific evidence supports structured motor skill development plans. A 2026 longitudinal study by the European Journal of Developmental Science found that children following a stepwise motor program improved their motor proficiency scores by 50% over 12 months, compared to only 18% in unstructured playgroups.
Neurological imaging from the study showed enhanced activity in brain regions related to movement control and planning, indicating that focused motor development physically rewires young brains for better function. This reinforces the lasting impact of consistent, goal-oriented motor skill work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does it take to see progress with this step-by-step guide?
Most parents notice improvements within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent practice, depending on the child’s starting point and frequency of activities.
Q2: Can I combine fine and gross motor skill activities in one session?
Absolutely! Briefly mixing both types keeps sessions engaging and promotes overall coordination.
Q3: What if my child resists motor skill exercises?
Make activities playful and offer choices to empower your child. Resistance often fades when children feel in control.
Q4: When should I consult a professional?
If your child consistently struggles with basic tasks like holding utensils or walking steadily past age 4, seeking advice from a pediatric occupational therapist is recommended.
Q5: Can digital tools support motor development?
Yes, but should complement hands-on activities. Interactive videos demonstrating exercises can be motivating, but real-world practice is essential.
Q6: Are group activities better than solo play?
Group activities boost social skills and motivation but a mix of both group and solo practice offers balanced development.
Q7: How do I keep track of my child’s progress effectively?
Maintain a simple log noting activities done, child’s responses, and any observed improvements. Videos or photos can also provide visual evidence of progress over time.