Gross motor skills play a vital role in the development of young children, affecting their ability to move, play and interact with the world around them. For preschool teachers and daycare directors, fostering these skills creates a foundation for physical strength, coordination and even academic success!
Let’s take a look at the importance of gross motor skills as well as practical ways to assess and identify delays and age-appropriate activities to incorporate into your classroom.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills are the movements we make with large muscles, such as those in your legs, arms and torso, according to the Cleveland Clinic. “Gross,” in this case, means “large,” and “motor” means “movement.” Walking and waving your arm are examples of gross movements, the clinic said. Sometimes these skills are known as large motor skills.
Unlike fine motor skills that focus on precision and coordination in smaller muscle groups, gross motor skills include broader movements like kicking a ball or hopping on one leg.
For kids in early childhood, these skills are the building blocks of a healthy and active lifestyle. Every wiggle, hop and jump is a step toward stronger physical and cognitive growth!
Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important?
Developing gross motor skills in preschoolers goes beyond just physical fitness — it contributes to a child’s overall growth. Here’s why they matter:
- Physical Development: Gross motor activities strengthen muscles, improve coordination and enhance balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
- Cognitive Growth: Movements like jumping or climbing require planning, problem-solving and spatial awareness that foster cognitive development.
- Social Interaction: Group activities like relay races teach teamwork, sharing and communication.
- Self-Confidence: Achieving new physical milestones, such as riding a bike, boosts self-esteem and encourages further exploration and learning.
How Do You Assess Large Motor Skills in the Preschool Classroom?
Tracking the progress of large motor skills is essential for ensuring that all children are developing at an appropriate pace. While formal tests aren’t always necessary, preschool teachers can assess gross motor skills through observations of everyday activities.
- Physical Performance: Watch how children run, jump, hop and balance on one leg.
- Task Completion: Observe how well they manage tasks like carrying objects, climbing stairs or maneuvering obstacle courses.
- Structured Play: Use games like follow the leader to assess coordination and imitate motion-based tasks.
- Documentation: Maintain a checklist to track milestones such as throwing a ball, skipping or balancing.
How to Identify a Delay and When to Recommend a Specialist
Children develop at their own pace, but significant delays in gross motor skills could signal the need for additional support. Watch for these red flags:
- Delayed Milestones: If a child struggles with tasks typical for their age, such as difficulty walking by 18 months or hopping by age 4.
- Awkward Movements: Uncoordinated or uneven movements that interfere with play and daily activities.
- Lack of Strength: Difficulty with climbing stairs or maintaining balance.
- Disinterest in Physical Activities: Reluctance to participate in movement-based games or outdoor play.
If these indicators are present, gently communicate your concerns to parents and recommend consulting a pediatrician or physical therapist. Early intervention can make a significant difference!
Types of Gross Motor Skills
Large motor skills can be categorized based on their practical applications. By targeting these four areas, educators can create well-rounded development experiences.
- Academics: Skills like walking to different stations, participating in music and movement time, or transitioning between tasks build coordination and spatial awareness.
- Play: Activities like constructing with blocks or navigating playgrounds develop agility, problem-solving, and confidence.
- Self-Care: Tasks such as tying shoes, using zippers or carrying backpacks promote independence.
- Technology: Interactions like moving a computer mouse or swiping a tablet help hone motor control with larger muscle movements.
Gross Motor Activities for the Preschool Classroom
Now, let’s explore some engaging gross motor activities for preschoolers, as well as other age groups.
Gross Motor Activities for 4-Year-Olds:
- Beanbag Toss: Improve hand-eye coordination and aim. Use colorful beanbags to make the activity visually engaging.
- Animal Walks: Mimic movements like crab walking, hopping like a frog, or waddling like a duck. These exercises build strength and balance.
- Hopscotch: Practice balance, body control and coordination while reinforcing number recognition.
Gross Motor Activities for For 3-Year-Olds:
- Obstacle Courses: Create simple setups using cones, cushions or hula hoops that encourage crawling, jumping and balancing.
- Ball Rolling: Teach coordination and team play by rolling balls to one another across different distances.
- Red Light, Green Light: Help kids learn control and quick responses while practicing running and stopping.
Gross Motor Activities for 2-Year-Olds:
- Marching to Music: Encourage basic movement patterns and rhythm while marching in a line.
- Push-and-Pull Toys: Activities like pushing a toy lawnmower or pulling a wagon help build leg muscles and coordination.
- Bubble Chasing: Strengthen running and directional movement through a game of popping bubbles.
Gross Motor Activities for Infants:
- Tummy Time: Allow supervised play on their stomach to strengthen neck, arm, and back muscles.
- Reaching for Toys: Encourage crawling and arm strengthening by placing toys slightly out of reach.
- Supported Standing: Help infants develop leg strength with supported exercises near low furniture.
Want more activities to foster gross motor skills? Check out this list of 15 activities to foster gross motor skills compiled by the Neurological and Physical Abilitation Center!
How Vine Assessments Can Help!
Software can track a child’s developmental growth, benefiting your center and the children you serve.
Procare Solutions is the only provider of child care management software to offer integrated proprietary early childhood assessments for children from birth to 5 years old at no additional cost with Vine Assessments.
Vine Assessments is an integrated framework that gives early childhood educators a way to clearly articulate the growth and development of children in their care. Its assessments align with standards in all 50 states. Teachers using Procare can tie their lessons and observations directly to the appropriate Vine Assessments indicator from the web-based software and Procare child care mobile app.
Download “Why Assessments Matter in Early Education,” a free eBook that will answer more of your questions and get you ready to include assessments in your child care program!
