Two boys using their gross motor skills to cross stepping stones over a stream

Gross motor skills: a playtime essential

As a parent of a young child, you play a crucial role in supporting the development of their gross motor skills. Gross motor skills involve the control and coordination of large muscle groups, enabling movements like crawling, walking, running, jumping, and playing sports. These skills form the foundation for your child’s physical abilities and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll guide you through the stages of gross motor development and suggest engaging games and activities to help your little one grow and thrive.

Stages of Gross Motor Development

Gross motor development occurs in various stages from birth to five years of age. It’s essential to understand these milestones to support your child’s progress effectively.

Birth to 3 months: Limited control over body movements; reflex movements; begins to develop head control.
3 to 6 months: Gains strength and control; starts rolling, sitting, and reaching for objects.
6 to 12 months: Significant progress; learns to sit up, crawl, pull up to stand, and possibly walk independently.
1 to 2 years: Refines skills; confidently walks, runs, climbs, kicks, and throws balls; jumps with both feet.
2 to 3 years: Improved coordination and balance; walks up and down stairs, pedals tricycles, runs around obstacles, and hops.
3 to 5 years: Increased strength, agility, and endurance; swings, climbs, rides bicycles, and participates in sports or dance classes.

Encouraging Movement in Infants

In the early months, it’s important to give your baby opportunities to move and explore their environment. Here are some activities to encourage movement:

Tummy time: Start with a few minutes a day, gradually increasing the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable. Place colourful toys or a small mirror in front of them to keep them engaged.
Assisted sitting: Support your baby in a sitting position, either by holding them or using a soft baby seat. This helps strengthen their neck and back muscles.
Reaching for toys: Hang toys above your baby’s play area or place them just out of reach during tummy time, encouraging them to stretch and reach.

Supporting Crawling and Walking

As your child grows, they’ll begin to explore their world more actively. Here are some tips to help develop their crawling and walking skills:

Crawling: Create a safe space for your baby to crawl, with toys or objects to explore. Use cushions or tunnels to make the activity more interesting.
Standing: Encourage your child to pull themselves up using furniture, and ensure they have a stable surface to hold onto.
Walking: Offer your hand or use a push toy to support your child as they take their first steps. Celebrate their achievements to boost their confidence.

Building Balance and Coordination

Developing balance and coordination is vital for your child’s gross motor skills. Try these activities to help them improve:

Obstacle courses: Set up a simple obstacle course with pillows, boxes, and furniture. Encourage your child to crawl, walk, or climb through the course.
Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch grid on the pavement or use floor markers indoors. This classic game helps develop balance and coordination.
Simple yoga poses: Teach your child basic yoga poses like tree pose, downward-facing dog, or child’s pose. Practise together to make it more enjoyable.

Enhancing Strength and Agility

Strength and agility are essential for your child’s physical development. Incorporate these activities into their playtime:

Climbing: Visit a local playground or create a climbing space at home using sturdy furniture

or indoor climbing equipment. Ensure you supervise your child during climbing activities to ensure safety.

Jumping: Set up a small trampoline or encourage your child to jump over soft objects like cushions. This activity helps build leg strength and improves agility.
Swinging: Swinging on a swing set or a tyre swing helps develop core strength and balance. Ensure the swing is age-appropriate and secure.

Fostering Ball Skills

Developing ball skills is a fun way to improve your child’s gross motor abilities. Try these games and activities:

Rolling: Sit facing your child and roll a soft ball back and forth. This activity encourages hand-eye coordination and strength.
Throwing and catching: Start with a large, soft ball and gradually progress to smaller or harder balls as your child’s skills improve. Practise throwing at different heights and distances.
Kicking: Place a ball in front of your child and encourage them to kick it. Set up mini-goals or targets to make the activity more engaging and challenging.

Dance and Movement Activities

Dance and movement classes can be a fun way for your child to develop their gross motor skills:

Creative movement: Join a parent-child creative movement class that encourages free movement and expression through music and props.
Ballet: Introduce your child to a pre-ballet or toddler ballet class, focusing on basic movements and coordination.
Gymnastics: Enrol your child in a gymnastics class, where they’ll learn age-appropriate movements like rolls, jumps, and balances.

Importance of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play offers a wealth of opportunities for your child to develop their gross motor skills:

Running: Encourage your child to run around the garden, park, or playground, playing games like tag or races.
Biking: Introduce your child to a balance bike or tricycle, supporting their learning as they progress to a bicycle with training wheels.
Playing in nature: Explore your local park, woods, or beach, allowing your child to climb, dig, and jump in a natural environment.

Adapting Activities for Different Abilities

It’s essential to consider each child’s unique abilities and needs when planning activities:

Modify games: Adjust activities to accommodate children with varying levels of gross motor skills, such as using larger balls, providing additional support, or slowing down the pace.
Encourage participation: Make sure every child feels included and motivated to participate, adapting activities as needed.
Consult professionals: If your child has a physical disability or developmental delay, consult a physiotherapist or occupational therapist for tailored advice and support.

Final word

Fostering gross motor skills in under-fives is vital for their physical development and well-being. By understanding the stages of development and engaging your child in age-appropriate games and activities, you can support their growth and ensure they have a strong foundation for future skills. Remember to always supervise your child during play and encourage them to explore and enjoy the activities you share together.