Praxis

Praxis, or motor planning, is the ability by which we figure out how to use our hands and body for skilled, novel tasks.  Requirements for successful motor planning include sequencing and organizing movements in a smooth and coordinated manner.  Good motor planning requires accurate retrieval and perception of information from all sensory systems.   

Motor planning is a prerequisite for following auditory directions, following a demonstration for dancing or games, copying designs using blocks or other manipulatives, following home or classroom routines, creating new ways to play with toys, “catching on” to new motor tasks, transitioning smoothly, joining into group activities, following multistep directions, initiating and completing tasks, imaginary play skills, cleaning up, and completing art projects that have multiple steps.   

Motor planning is composed of three components: ideation, planning and execution.  Ideation is the generation of multiple ideas for how to best carry out the task.  Planning is the generation of a mental map for how to sequence the task.  Execution refers to the coordinated movements needed to carry out the task efficiently. Follow the execution, we receiving and interpret sensory information related to the performance of the motor task.  This feedback is essential for refining motor skills and improving performance over time.