Praxis / Motor Planning

Praxis, also called motor planning, is the ability to plan and carry out movements in a coordinated and efficient way. It’s an essential skill for everyday activities, from dressing and writing to playing sports and navigating the playground. Many children experience difficulties with motor planning, sometimes referred to as dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

Key components:

• Ideation: Coming up with an idea of what to do, such as thinking about how to stack blocks or get dressed independently.

• Sequencing: Figuring out the order of steps needed to complete a task, like putting on socks before shoes or following steps in a game.

• Execution: Carrying out movements smoothly and accurately, such as catching a ball, handwriting, or using cutlery.

How OT supports these skills:

• Play-based activities that encourage problem-solving and creativity, like building obstacle courses or following game challenges.

• Step-by-step tasks with modelling, visual cues, and prompting to help children learn sequences.

• Graded practice of functional tasks, from simple to more complex movements, to build confidence and independence.

Everyday examples:

• Home: Getting dressed, brushing teeth, helping with cooking, or tidying up toys in the correct order.

• School: Following multi-step instructions, writing in sequence, or participating in PE activities.

• Community/Sports: Riding a bike, climbing playground equipment, or playing organised games that require planning and coordination.

Why parents notice it:

Children may appear clumsy, avoid physical tasks, have messy handwriting, or struggle to sequence daily routines. OT support helps children plan, sequence, and execute movements more efficiently, improving independence, confidence, and participation in everyday life.