Gross Motor Skills refer to movements involving the arms, legs, and torso muscles. Unlike fine motor skills, which focus on precise movements and manipulation of small objects, gross motor skills are related to everyday tasks such as walking, running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and more. The development of gross motor skills is also directly linked to body awareness in space, mobility, reaction time, and the ability to effectively interact with the surrounding environment.
Gross Motor Skills Examples
A child's level of gross motor development can be assessed by how they manage typical tasks, which are gross motor skills examples:
- Standing and maintaining balance. A more advanced version is standing on one leg and balancing.
- Jumping on one or both feet.
- Crawling and climbing.
- Hanging from a bar, pulling up, or moving across monkey bars.
- Twisting the torso and bending.
- Throwing and catching a ball.
- Riding a bike.
These abilities are more than just gross motor skills examples; they indicate how confident a child feels in their environment and how well they control their body overall. It's important to note that these skills are directly connected to other abilities, such as dressing independently, performing sports exercises, and playing with other children.
Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important?
Child development progresses from simple to complex tasks. When gross motor skills are well-developed, coordination and fine motor skills will improve. A child is then ready to transition from simple tasks to more complex ones. Developing these skills lays the foundation for gradually mastering new abilities.
Gross Motor Skill Development Stages
Gross motor skills begin to develop right from birth. Gross motor skills in infants and preschoolers are divided into several stages:
0-6 months
During this period, gross motor skills in infants are quite limited. The muscles in the neck gradually strengthen, allowing the baby to hold their head independently, then roll onto their stomach and back, and by around six months, sit up.
6-12 months
There is a rapid and noticeable leap in the development of gross motor skills in infants. Babies can crawl forward on their stomachs, sit up or lie down on their own, and by 8-9 months, stand while holding onto furniture or someone's hand. Closer to 12 months, babies begin to take their first steps, first with support and then independently.
Up to 18 months
Toddlers tend to walk confidently and may even start running. It becomes easier for them to maintain balance and overcome small obstacles along the way.
Up to 2 years
Toddlers can run well, go up and down stairs, and use climbing walls and ladders. Coordination and balance significantly improve.
3-5 years
Children can play ball games, walk on tiptoe, pedal a tricycle, and stand on one leg for around 5 seconds. These skills continue to improve year after year. With the help of various exercises and gross motor skills activities for preschoolers, they further enhance these abilities.
Activities to Support Gross Motor Development
The best way to develop gross motor skills is through active play. This includes not only sports activities and exercises but also regular playground fun or home play with Montessori climbing structures. Through active games, children practice new movements and strengthen their muscles.
Obstacle Courses
Build an obstacle course at home and encourage your child to navigate it. Adjust the difficulty based on the child’s age and current skills. This might include crawling through tunnels, climbing the Climbing Triangle Frame, crawling under or around it, stepping, jumping, or running around various obstacles. Let the child climb, crawl under, and jump over the different parts. Add an element of fun, like collecting toys along the way or reaching a specific toy at the end of the course and placing it in a basket. Make sure it’s enjoyable!
Crawling and Tummy Time
For infants, crawling on the tummy is an excellent exercise. Strengthening the core muscles helps babies sit, stand, and maintain balance. This is where the Toddler Gymnastics Mat becomes useful, providing a soft and safe surface for babies to practice tummy time. They can learn to roll over, push up, and crawl. Later on, when the baby is older, these activities can expand to include the Wooden Balance Board or the Montessori Play Gym.
Climbing and Hanging Activities
Climbing with Montessori structures and slides develops not only gross motor skills but also coordination, flexibility, and endurance. This helps to strengthen core muscles and build the child’s confidence. The Montessori Foldable Triangle is an excellent tool for toddlers to climb and enjoy while gaining the benefits of these activities. Gross motor skills activities for preschoolers can also include exercises on a Swedish Wall, allowing children to climb ladders, use additional gymnastics accessories, and learn to pull up, which develops upper body strength and coordination.
Balance Activities
Balance is crucial for learning to walk, run, swim, and ride a bike. Balancing exercises aren’t just about balance boards or running with a balance bike. Simple activities like swinging on a swing are excellent for balance training, as they stimulate the vestibular system, positively impacting spatial awareness. Early childhood specialists also recommend exercises with rope gymnastic accessories, such as ropes with wooden spheres.
Outdoor Play and Exploration
One of the most effective ways to develop gross motor skills is through outdoor play. The outdoors offers numerous opportunities for improving gross motor skills almost at every turn. At a Backyard Playground, children can climb ladders, explore slides and swings. Outdoor play builds stamina, coordination, and strength.
Age-Appropriate Climbing Toys
Choose activities and exercises that suit your child’s abilities. They shouldn’t be too difficult. Let it be easy, fun, and engaging, whether in a kindergarten, outdoors, or at home.
- Infants (0-12 months). We recommend buying the Toddler Gymnastics Mat for this period. At first, your child can crawl on it. Later, it can complement other gymnastic structures, making the active play space safer. The youngest users will also benefit from the Toddler Indoor Slide, which has massage stones and a smooth side.
- Toddlers (1-3 years). Toddlers are always on the move, so climbing frames can keep them entertained. Climbing Triangle, Wooden Balance Beam, and the Montessori Climbing Dome are perfect for these little ones.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years). Preschoolers can use most Montessori climbing structures, from the classic set of a Triangle, a Ramp, and an Arch to jungle gyms, Climbing Playhouses, and more.
Conclusion
By practicing various gross motor skills activities for preschoolers and infants, you can help your child improve these essential skills. This will allow children to grow confident, independent, active, curious, and open to different activities. These exercises may look like play, but they are essential for daily health, learning, and well-being. Now you know how to move step by step toward seeing amazing results. Keep going, implement new ideas and tips, and let your little one grow healthy!