Which of the following is an example of a gross motor skill?

• A. Writing
• B. Buttoning a shirt
• C. Running
• D. Playing with small toys

Answer: (C)

Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups to perform movements that require coordination, balance, and strength. Running is a quintessential example of a gross motor skill because it engages major muscle groups, contributes to overall body coordination, and involves large movements of the arms and legs.

In contrast, writing and buttoning a shirt require fine motor skills, which are characterized by the precise movement of smaller muscle groups in the hands and fingers. Playing with small toys may involve both fine and gross motor skills, depending on the nature of the activity, but it typically emphasizes fine motor skills when manipulating small objects. Therefore, running distinctly represents gross motor activity, encompassing more extensive physical engagement than the other options.