Gross motor skills start developing from birth itself and follow a set pattern for all children. Though these skills develop naturally, parents and caregivers can help enhance their development and encourage it by various activities. In this article, we list a few fun and easy activities to improve the development of your child’s gross motor skills.
In this article:
Why are gross motor skills important?
Gross motor skills are essential for almost all day to day activities. Development of these skills makes a child capable of exploring their environment independently and vastly improves their growth and development opportunities.
As a child learns to crawl, they become more curious about their surroundings and gradually progress to standing and then walking. All these activities are a part and package of gross motor development.
How can parents help in the development of gross motor skills?
Though the development of gross motor skills is a natural part of growth and occurs independently, parents can help their child in rapid development of gross motor function while also improving these skills.
Children learn by mimicking the behaviour of adults around them. By encouraging simple activities, parents can aid their children greatly. By doing so, parents will also help their children develop a stronger core, limb and torso muscles. Meanwhile, it will also help in a better cognitive and coordination development.
Fun activities to develop gross motor skills:
Most activities to develop gross motor skills can be incorporated into playtime for infants and toddlers. As the child grows older, the activities can be mixed with learning.
Even WHO recommends a few hours of such activities everyday for improved motor function.
Activities for babies and infants
Tummy Time
Tummy time is an activity recommended by the American Association of Paediatrics for helping babies develop stronger core, neck and torso muscles. Place the baby on their tummy and keep their interest engaged by dangling a toy in front of them or a small mirror.
Initially start with small durations of one to two minutes and gradually increase tummy time as the baby tolerates it well. For newborns, tummy time counts even when the baby is placed on the caregivers chest. It helps in development of neck control primarily while developing other muscle groups as well.
Play peek-a-boo
Babies love to play peek-a-boo. Play with your baby by using papers to hide your face or lying your face on the ground and lifting it up to boo. The baby will gradually start mimicking the action.
Paper balls
Give your baby sheets of newspaper or any fabric. Out of curiosity, they will start scrunching it into small balls. This repeated activity helps in development of the upper limb muscles.
Roll over the baby
Place the baby on the back and show them their favourite toy. When you have their interest, place it at a small distance away from them on the floor. The baby tries to roll over to reach the toy.
Activities for toddlers
Create an obstacle course
Create an obstacle course with tunnels and small obstacles as blocks. Make it into a game where your toddler has to complete the course for fun prizes, even something as simple as a paper crown would do! This movement would help develop balance and coordination skills along with the gross motor skills.
Bounce and hop
If you have access to a trampoline, it can be a great accessory in helping your child develop better skills. Bouncing and hopping, while fun for children, also helps them develop balance with lower limbs and core strength.
Dance your heart out
Activities as fun and light-hearted as dancing may go a long way in helping your child develop gross motor coordination. Put on a simple dance video and go through the routine with them. It is not only fun and helpful but also improves your bonding with the child.
Activities for preschoolers
Use the playground
The usual playground offers a plethora of opportunities for development of motor skills. You might be worried that your child will fall but it’s better if you let them explore on their own.
Take a walk in nature
A hike in nature would give your child a sensory boost and improve their curiosity. Trying to climb small trees, walking over rocks and twigs all while in awe of their surroundings would be an extremely fun way for development.
Ride a bicycle
Riding a bicycle is a basic life skill and as an additional benefit, it improves your child’s muscle strength, coordination and posture. So why not try it out.
Summing up
Some babies may develop a few skills later than others but it is usually not a cause for alarm. Parents should be patient with their children and encourage these activities by positive reinforcement like appreciating and applauding them for tasks well performed.
