A nurse is teaching a newly hired nurse about motor skill development of school-age clients who are 6 to 12 years old. Which of the following statements by the newly hired nurse demonstrates effective teaching?

A. Counting backward is a cognitive or mathematical milestone, not a motor skill. While school-age children refine their cognitive abilities, this statement does not relate to physical coordination or gross motor development, which is the focus of the teaching in this scenario. B. Dressing and grooming reflect fine motor skills and self-care abilities, which are typically developed earlier, around ages 4–5. While school-age children continue to refine these skills, they are not unique or advanced motor milestones for the 6–12 age range. C. While some children may be able to manipulate simple tools, using tools safely and effectively requires advanced fine motor coordination, strength, and judgment, which develops gradually throughout school age. Expecting all children to perform this skill at age 6 is inaccurate. D. By age 6, children generally have developed gross motor coordination, strength, and balance, allowing them to participate in complex motor activities such as jumping rope, hopping, skipping, riding a bicycle, and playing organized sports. These activities promote overall physical development, coordination, and confidence, and are typical milestones for school-age children. This statement demonstrates an accurate understanding of age-appropriate motor development.