The Charlop-Atwell Scale of Motor Coordination: A Quick and Easy Assessment of Young Children

Abstract

The Charlop-Atwell Scale of Motor Coordination was designed to meet the need for a quick and easily used measure of some aspects of gross motor coordination of children between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The scale was provisionally standardized on 201 children who were sampled across age, sex, race and income level. It is short, relatively simple for school teachers and researchers to administer, and does not require special equipment. The scale contains a subjective subtest, based on quality of performance, in addition to an objective subtest based on accuracy of performance. Results show a developmental trend, high test-retest and interobserver reliability, and strong external validity.