In this blog, we'll delve deeper into what gross motor skills are, their benefits and provide you with some suggestion of engaging activities you and your child can do to foster their gross motor skills and physical development. Let's get started!
Published: 16/10/2024
A huge part of every child's development is their gross motor skills, which are essentially the skills they need to help them move, play, and grow.
In this blog, we'll delve deeper into what gross motor skills are, their benefits and provide you with some suggestion of engaging activities you and your child can do to foster their gross motor skills and physical development. Let's get started!
Think of gross motor skills as the building blocks of movement. They involve using the large muscles in your child's body to perform actions like:
• Walking: Taking steps and balancing on two feet.
• Running: Moving quickly on two feet, often with a bounce.
• Jumping: Pushing off the ground with your legs to lift yourself into the air.
• Climbing: Using your arms and legs to reach a surface.
• Throwing: Using your arm to propel an object forward.
• Catching: Using your hands to intercept a moving object.
Strong gross motor skills are essential for a child's overall development. They help with:
• Independence: Children with good gross motor skills can do things like dress themselves, climb stairs, and play at the park.
• Learning: Gross motor skills are linked to cognitive development, helping children learn and think more effectively.
• Social and Emotional Development: Physical activity can boost a child's self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.
1. Obstacle Course
Create a fun obstacle course using items from around the house like chairs, pillows, and blankets. Obstacle courses are not only a fun and challenging way to get children active, but are also great for improving coordination, balance, problem-solving, and agility.
2. Dance Party
Choose a song your little one loves to listen, turn the music up, and have a dance together! Dancing is a fun way to get children moving and improve their rhythm, coordination, and flexibility. It’s also a great way to boost their confidence and express themselves.
3. Simon Says
A classic game that’s great for following directions and using different body movements. Playing this game with your child encourages listening skills, and body awareness and can also help children with their reaction time and coordination.
4. Tummy Time and Rolling
For younger children, there are plenty of ways to encourage development of gross motor skills, many you’ll be doing without even realising! By incorporating activities like tummy time and rolling over, you’re helping them to build strength in their neck, shoulders and back, which are crucial for their overall movement.
1. Park Adventures
Explore your local park and encourage activities like climbing, swinging, and sliding. Playing in the park or playground is a great way for children to get exercise, explore their environment, and socialise with other children. Through climbing, swinging, and sliding, your child will be improving their overall strength, balance, and coordination.
2. Nature Walks
Whatever the weather, getting out for a nature walk to look for different animals, plants, and textures can do wonders for your child’s gross motor skills. It’ll not only develop their senses, but it’ll also continue to strengthen their muscles, as well as endurance – particularly as little legs get tired quickly!
3. Bike Rides
If your child is old enough, pop on their helmet and take them on their bike to explore, build leg strength, balance and overall coordination! Whether your little one is still using stabilisers or has graduated to two wheels, it’s a fantastic way to improve their gross motor skills.
4. Ball Games
Whether your little one has just mastered sitting up or is running circles around you – ball games can be a fantastic way to improve hand-eye coordination, throwing accuracy, and reaction time. If your little one isn’t kicking or throwing yet, sitting opposite each other with legs wide and rolling the ball to one another is a great way to get started. If your child is older (and when the weather allows it) play outside in a safe environment to practice kicking or throwing a ball to one another.
At Busy Bees, we believe in providing a stimulating and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. Our dedicated staff are committed to fostering children’s physical development through a variety of activities and experiences.
Our Bee Curious curriculum includes activities tailored to promote core strength, muscle control, and fitness. These activities support gross motor development while also nurturing your child's innate curiosity.
Physical development is one of our primary areas of discovery, and supports with many things involved in developing gross motor skills. Activities tailored around physical development promote core strength, muscle control and fitness.
By incorporating these fun and engaging activities into your child's daily routine, you can help them develop strong gross motor skills and lay a solid foundation for future success. At Busy Bees, we're dedicated to supporting your child's growth and development every step of the way.
Find your local nursery today to schedule a tour of one of our nurseries and learn more about how we can help your child reach their full potential. Let's embark on a journey of fun, learning, and growth together!