How to Teach a Preschooler Gross Motor Skills

Playing hopscotch helps preschoolers develop gross motor skills.

Gross motor skills involve the large muscle groups in the body. Children master gross motor skills when performing activities like running, jumping, climbing and walking. Children can be taught some of these skills in an organized fashion so that they can learn the skills they lack. Teach these skills using games the child will enjoy and introduce them as early as possible in a child's life.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk
• Floating device
• Slide

Instructions

1. Teach the child how to play hopscotch. Draw out a hopscotch frame on an even surface with chalk and use a rock to decide how far the child hops. The child who finishes first wins the game. This teaches hopping skills and balance.

2. Play Ring around the Rosie with your children. It teaches the child cooperation and lateral movement skills in a fun setting that can be played over and over. The players hold hands, walk in a circle while reciting a rhyme and gently fall down at the end.

3. Have the child walk heel-to-toe. This teaches balance and proper foot placement. It can be done independently or with the hand of a spotter who helps the child perform the task without easily falling down.

4. Engage in swimming activities with the preschooler. The child can use a noodle to stay afloat and learn kicking activities. If the water is shallow, she can learn to jump up and down in the water and do arm movements in the water without risk of going under the water.

5. Use a slide to encourage activity. Children pick up large motor skills when they climb the steps or ladder of the slide, and they have fun sliding down. This teaches the child to put one foot in front of the other when they climb.

6. Practice skipping with the child. This is an activity most preschoolers need to learn. Practice it on a flat, smooth surface. Most children learn to skip by age 5.

Tips & Warnings

• The more practice with gross motor skills, the better for the child.

• If you think your child may have a problem mastering gross motor skills, talk with your pediatrician.

References

• Kids Health: Games for Preschoolers