Clark Motor Development Scale for Young Children

The Clark Motor Development Scale for Young Children is included as an assessment
component in the Perceptual Motor Development Program, and assesses balance, gross
motor, fine motor and mirroring capabilities in children. Points are given for accurate
performance with a score of 52 being 100% correct for all inventory items. Height, weight,
and body mass index (BMI) are also measured and submitted as part of the inventory.
Scoring: Score 4 points for each accurate total performance of each numbered item. Please
note that 1, 2, 3 & 8 are worth 2 points for the right side and 2 points for the left side of the body
(4 points total). Score two points for accurate performance on one side of the body only. Item 12
should receive a total score of 4 points. Total points for items 1 through 13 is 52.
DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTERING THE ASSESSMENT:

Item 1: The child stands on one foot for 10 seconds with eyes open. Child stands with
weight on one leg only first on the right leg with the left leg bent at the knee so that
the lower leg and thigh are approximately at right angles. This position is held for a tensecond count. Repeat on the left foot. (This should be demonstrated by the examiner). A
second change may be necessary. They child should exhibit steady balance on both sides.
Score 2 points for correct performance on each side.

Item 2: Hop on one foot in a circle 12 inches in diameter for a 10 second count. Have the
child stand first on the right foot inside the circle. On the command, Start, the child
begins to hop up and down on the right foot without traveling and moving outside the
confines of the circle. If the child wanders outside the circle or touches the other foot to
the ground, the score is 0. If the child continues to hop in place for the10 second count,
the score is 2 points. Repeat on the left leg. (This should be demonstrated by the
examiner). A second chance may be necessary and should not count against the child.
Score 2 points for correct performance on each side.

Item 3: Walk a balance beam or straight line forward for six feet in heel-toe-fashion.
The heel should come in contact with the toe of the opposite foot, and the foot should be
in contact with the line. A score is given for completing the task for the entire 6 foot
distance. No score is given if the child does not touch the toe to the heel or if the foot
does not make contact with the line. (This should be demonstrated by the examiner).
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Item 4: Jump or leap over a space three feet wide. (Chalk lines may be drawn or 4 jump
ropes may be placed 3 feet apart on the ground). Ask the child to jump over the lines.
Any form of leaping or jumping is acceptable. Give a score of 4 if the child can clear the
space. (This task should not be demonstrated).
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Clark Motor Development Scale for Young Children

DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTERING THE ASSESSMENT: (page 2 continued)

Item 5: Designate an area approximately 20 feet long. Gallop 20 feet. Galloping is a

rhythmical skill and the same foot continues to lead. (This should be demonstrated by the
examiner).
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Item 6: Skip with two feet. Skipping is difficult for some children. Skipping on one side
is called lame duck skipping. This should receive only two points. (Skipping should be
demonstrated).
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Item 7: Catch a bean bag. Make an easy toss from approximately 8 feet. Use a 4

or 5 inch beanbag. Check to see if the child is trapping or tracking the beanbag.
A trapped catch should receive 2 points. A clean catch should receive 4 points.
Say, Im going to toss the beanbag to you before you toss it to the students.
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Item 8: Touch the fingers independently. The child is to touch all the finger tips
of one hand in succession, independently, with the thumb of the same hand
beginning with the little finger. The child then repeats the task in reverse order,
starting with the index fingers. Score 2 points if completed successfully on the left
side and 2 points if completed successfully on the right side.
Script: Examiner says, Let me see you touch your fingertips with your
thumb in order. The examiner demonstrates and says, Start with your little
fingers this way . . . you do it thats it. Now lets try with your other
hand. Now I am going to stop demonstrating and I want you to touch your
fingertips in order.
Fingertips should be touched thumb finger to little finger through index finger and
then backwards on the same hand.
Score 2 points for correct performance on each side.

Item 9: Open and close hands alternately. The child is to hold the upper arms
close to the body, bent at the elbow, forearms extended in front, with palms facing
up. Start with both hands clenched in a fist. The examiner should demonstrate and
say, Open one hand and close it. Now open the other hand and close it. Keep
going one hand at a time. Continue and say, Now its your turn. Speed is not a
factor. Duration is about 6 seconds. Correct performance is demonstrated by the
ability to open and close hands alternately in a rhythmic pattern.
Score 2 points for correct performance on each side.

Clark Motor Development Scale for Young Children

DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTERING THE ASSESSMENT: (page 3 continued)

Item 10: Body and space. Hold out a yard stick. The yardstick should be at the
height of the childs waist. Ask the child to bend at the waist and go under the
yard stick without touching the ground or yardstick.
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Item 11: Flexibility. Ask student to touch their toes with both fingertips while
standing.
Score 4 points for correct performance.

Item 12: Mirror movements. Child and test examiner face each other. Examiner
asks child to mirror or copy what I do. Examiner is looking to see that child
imitates the movements correctly. Examiner does not give verbal directions for
each move; examiner merely demonstrates the action and waits for the student to
respond. The childs response should be immediate.
1) Right side: Examiner holds up the right arm at a 90 degree angle, bent at the
elbow. Child should hold up his/her arm in a mirrored action. (Child holds up the
left hand in response). Repeat the motion on the left side.
Score 2 points for correct performance on each side.

2) Left side: Examiner touches right hand to left knee. Student responds in a
mirrored motion (child will put their left hand to their right knee). Repeat for
the left side (left hand to right knee).
Score 2 points for correct performance on each side.