How to Improve Large Motor Skills
Large motor skills, more commonly referred to as gross motor skills, are the ability to control the large muscles of the body. These are the muscles involved in activities such as running, jumping, lifting, and reaching, as well as maintaining proper posture and balance. Since motor skills are learned and improved with plenty of practice, a variety of everyday activities and exercises can help improve large motor skills in those who may show some weakness in these areas.
Things You'll Need
- Balls
- Balloons
- Jump Rope
- Bicycle or Tricycle
- Playground Equipment
- Swimsuit
Instructions
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Activities to Improve Large Motor Skills
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Get plenty of outdoor exercise. Walking on varied surfaces, such as gravel, sand, grass, and pavement can help build strength and balance. Climbing on playground equipment is great for developing large motor skills, as is running and jumping. Hopscotch teaches control and coordination, as do the use of swings and merry-go-round toys.
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Enroll in dance lessons. Dancing can be a great way to improve gross motor skills. Dance lessons can provide exercise for all of the large muscles, as well as aiding in muscle control and coordination.
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Get out to the pool. Swimming and other water activities are good for the development of gross motor skills. It provides exercise of the large muscles with the additional resistance of water and builds strength and improves balance.
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Go bike riding. Riding a bicycle, tricycle, or similar riding toys is great for the development and exercise of those large muscles, as well as for balance and coordination.
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Play ball. Throwing, catching, and kicking a ball are very helpful activities for those seeking to improve large motor skills. Very young children or those with particularly limited motor skills development can begin with a balloon rather than a ball, as the slower motion of a balloon makes catching easier. Older children can learn with a large ball and graduate to smaller ones as gross motor skills improve.
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Create an obstacle course. Setting up an area with varied challenges for the body's large muscles can be a great motor skills aid. Include items like stepping stones, balance beams, stairs, crawl spaces, and climbing equipment to ensure a full work out.
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Play backyard games. Follow the leader can be a fun way to practice motor skills with children, especially if the leader models activities such as duck walking, skipping, and hopping. Tag can be good practice, since those under pursuit must duck, weave and run to avoid being next to be "it."
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Play jump rope. A good game of jump rope is an engaging activity that is very good for improving muscle control, strength, endurance, and coordination. Stretch the rope out on the ground to be walked on for an activity that can help improve balance and muscle control.
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