The Relation of Perceptual-Motor Skills to Learning and School Success

Abstract

An overview of research on the relation between measurable perceptual-motor skills in young children and academic success reveals a primitive state of the art. The relationship between perceptual strength and prescriptive teaching is examined. Commonly used diagnostic tests are described. Current usefulness of a carefully constructed and analyzed learning profile for early identification of potential learning problems, despite preset limitations, is discussed. The direction research must take to refine the spectrum of discrete, identifiable perceptual-motor skills is indicated.