What term refers to the physical skills that involve large muscle movements, such as those of the arms and legs?

Gross motor skills refer to the physical abilities that involve the use of large muscle groups to perform movements. These movements typically include actions such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing, all of which engage major muscle groups in the arms, legs, and the body as a whole. Developing gross motor skills is crucial for young children as it lays the foundation for more complex physical activities and contributes to overall physical health and coordination.

In contrast, fine motor skills are related to smaller, more precise movements typically involving the hands and fingers, such as grasping, drawing, or manipulating small objects. Social skills involve the ability to interact and communicate with others, while cognitive skills pertain to mental processes such as thinking, learning, and problem-solving. Thus, when discussing movements that require the coordination of large muscle groups, gross motor skills is the appropriate term.