Gross Motor Skills in Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
try to keep the balloons in the air by bopping them with hands and bodies and when the music stops, catch a balloon and 'freeze.' This simple twist on a classic game builds hand-eye coordination, balance, core strength, and upper arm strength," she says.
Preschooler Activities
Combine gross motor skill development with learning. Consider this
game for preschoolers, courtesy of Vierheller: "Write letters or numbers on paper, cut them out, and tape them to a wall. Then have your child throw a ball at the wall to see which letters or numbers they can hit. You can call out the letters or numbers they hit together to work on gross motor skills and strengthen letter and number recognition at the same time."
Use the playground to your advantage. At the park, kids can practice gross motor skills by jumping from small heights, balancing on equipment, and climbing. You can model safe jumping first and then let them test their limits. "Allow kids to [climb] with as little assistance as possible, providing supervision or 'hands at the ready' so they can achieve it successfully, which builds both gross motor skills and self-esteem," says Barchacky. "Most children know if they can climb something successfully; it's
typically the parents that are worried, which stops the child from ascending."
Ride a bike. Your preschooler can test out a tricycle or scooter to promote independence, balance, and coordination.
Walk in nature. Go on a nature walk to practice gross motor skills and get a healthy dose of fresh air. "As you step from stone to stone, balance on fallen trees, climb up rocks, and hop over logs, incorporate a variety of ways to move and engage different muscles," says Vierheller.
Play in the backyard. Gross motor skill development happens when you're playing hopscotch, throwing a ball, chasing each other, and doing various other fun activities.
Managing Delays With Gross Motor Skills
Caregivers might worry if their baby, toddler, or preschooler isn't hitting
