Motor Skills Encouragement (MSE) | Level 3

MSE (Motor Skills Encouragement) Curriculum for Level 3 (Ages 11–14 months)

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Subject Area: Motor Skills Encouragement (MSE)  

Goal: Support gross and fine motor development through playful activities, guided movements, object interaction, and rhythm-based motions appropriate for mobile infants.

Format: 4 days a week for 16 weeks  

Structure: Semester 1 (Weeks 1–8) + Semester 2 (Weeks 9–16)

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Semester 1: Weeks 1–8

Week 1

- Activity Focus: Assisted Standing and Couch Cruising  

- Objects Used: Soft furniture, caregiver support  

- Songs: “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (motion-based)  

- Highlight Skill: Transition from seated to stand with support

Week 2

- Activity Focus: Two-Hand Reach + Toy Grabs  

- Objects: Lightweight rattles and sensory balls  

- Games: “Catch and Drop”  

- Highlight Skill: Coordination of eyes and hands

Week 3

- Activity Focus: Crawl-Through Obstacle  

- Setup: Tunnel play with low hurdles  

- Encouragement Phrase: “Over and Under!”  

- Highlight Skill: Crawling strength and navigation

Week 4

- Activity Focus: Clapping and Tapping  

- Songs: “Pat-a-Cake” + Drum Play  

- Props: Baby drum pad  

- Highlight Skill: Rhythm + bilateral coordination

Week 5

- Activity Focus: Ball Push + Pull  

- Props: Rolling soft balls  

- Motor Focus: Arm extension and movement direction  

- Mini Goal: Baby rolls ball to caregiver

Week 6

- Activity Focus: Pull-to-Stand with Bars  

- Setup: Support bars or activity tables  

- Encouragement Line: “Up you go!”  

- Highlight Skill: Leg and hip strengthening

Week 7

- Activity Focus: Finger Play + Wrist Twisting  

- Songs: “Itsy Bitsy Spider” with motions  

- Fine Motor Goal: Independent finger movements

Week 8

- Review Week:  

  - Favorite movement song  

  - Clapping, crawling, standing practice  

  - Interactive circle play  

  - Mobility assessment checklist

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Semester 2: Weeks 9–16

Week 9

- Activity Focus: Soft Push-Walk Toys  

- Motor Goal: Building walking confidence  

- Cue: “One foot, next foot!”

Week 10

- Activity Focus: Kick the Soft Ball  

- Setup: Stationary ball kicking zone  

- Highlight Skill: Foot-eye coordination

Week 11

- Activity Focus: Reach and Stack Rings  

- Toys: Stacking rings, nesting cups  

- Skill: Grasp + Release + Precision

Week 12

- Activity Focus: High-Crawl & Pull Forward  

- Props: Cushioned mat with toy targets  

- Highlight Skill: Upper body strength

Week 13

- Activity Focus: Sit-and-Sway Dance  

- Song: “Wheels on the Bus” (with body sways)  

- Skill: Balance and core engagement

Week 14

- Activity Focus: Peekaboo with Movement  

- Props: Tunnels, scarves  

- Skill: Movement anticipation and reaction

Week 15

- Activity Focus: Finger Pointing & Object Tracking  

- Tools: Picture cards, mirrors  

- Skill: Finger isolation, visual-motor coordination

Week 16

- Milestone Review Week:  

  - Gross motor observation  

  - Favorite motion song review  

  - Mini MSE Showcase  

  - Level 3 Achievement Certificate  

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