Final answer:
Children's motor skills improve gradually as they age, with infants developing critical motor functions that evolve into more complex abilities in the toddler and preschool years. Gender can influence the rate of development, but the pattern of improvement is consistent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question regarding children's motor development from infancy to preschool ages is that motor skills improve gradually. Motor development follows a predictable sequence, with infants first developing the ability to hold their heads up, followed by sitting with assistance, crawling, and eventually walking.
As children grow, they continue to develop and refine both their gross motor skills, such as running and jumping, and their fine motor skills, like grasping objects and drawing. Factors such as gender can influence the rate of motor development, but the overall trend is one of improvement with age, as children pass through various developmental milestones.
During the toddler years, children experience rapid advancements in language and motor skills, with most being able to run and climb steps by age three. As they progress to preschool age, their abilities continue to develop, enabling them to participate in more complex activities such as riding a tricycle and drawing shapes. Over time, these skills will form the foundation of even more sophisticated motor competencies essential for daily activities and academic tasks.