FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which term best describes the development of abilities and skills that begins at the center and moves toward the extremities?

1. Cephalocaudal progression

2. Proximodistal progression

3. Symbolic play

4. Associative play

The correct answer is: Proximodistal progression

The term that best describes the development of abilities and skills starting at the center of the body and moving outward toward the extremities is known as proximodistal progression. This concept is important in understanding how motor skills develop in children; for example, infants typically gain control over their trunk and shoulders before they gain control over their hands and fingers. This progression reflects a common pattern in physical development where the central parts of the body develop earlier than the more distal parts, such as arms and legs, followed by fine motor skills in the hands and fingers. The other terms refer to different concepts: cephalocaudal progression describes the development from head to toe, where control of the head is generally established before that of the lower body. Symbolic play and associative play pertain to specific types of play behaviors in children, focusing on cognitive and social skills rather than physical development. Therefore, the correct answer specifically highlights the pattern of developing skills from the central axis outwards, aligning with the definition of proximodistal progression.