Early Childhood Development

Gross Motor Skills in Early Childhood
Activities Parents Can Try at Home

Have you ever noticed how excited your child gets when jumping on the bed, running around the house or trying to balance on one foot? These little moments are more than just play. They give children opportunities to develop gross motor skills. Activities such as jumping, dancing, throwing a ball and walking along a simple path can help preschoolers build strength, balance, coordination and confidence while having fun.
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THE REAL FOUNDATION

Little Moves Today Build Big Skills for Tomorrow

Young children are naturally active. They love to run, climb, jump, dance and explore everything around them. While these activities may sometimes leave parents feeling exhausted, movement is an important part of early childhood development.
Gross motor skills involve using the large muscles of the body, including those in the arms, legs, back and torso. Children use these muscles when they walk, run, climb stairs, kick a ball or balance on one foot.
The best part? You do not need expensive toys or a big playground to encourage these skills. A little space, some everyday objects and a few minutes of playful interaction can make movement an enjoyable part of your child’s day.

01
Running and Walking
Encourage your child to walk between safe markers, run in an open space or play a simple follow-the-leader game.

02
Jumping and Hopping
Let your child practise jumping with both feet, hopping when ready or pretending to jump like a little frog.

03
Balancing
Walking along a line marked on the floor or standing on one foot with support can help children practise balance.

04
Throwing and Kicking
Rolling, throwing and kicking a soft ball give children opportunities to improve coordination and control their movements.

05
Climbing and Crawling
Crawling through a safe tunnel or climbing suitable playground equipment helps children practise strength and body coordination.

06
Dancing and Moving to Music
Clapping, marching, spinning gently and copying dance movements encourage children to move their bodies in different ways.

GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important in the Preschool Years?

Think about how much your child does with their body in a single day. They walk to their toys, climb onto a chair, reach for a book, run towards a friend and jump when they feel excited.
Each of these everyday moments gives them a chance to practise movement.
Developing gross motor skills can support balance, coordination, muscle strength, physical confidence and participation in group play. These skills also help children become more independent as they learn to move around their environment.
Remember, children do not all develop at the same pace. The aim is not to make your child run faster or jump higher than others. It is to give them safe, enjoyable opportunities to explore what their growing bodies can do.

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THE MOVEMENT-BUILDING PLAN

3 Easy Activities to Get Your Child Moving at Home

You do not need to set aside an entire afternoon for physical activities. Even a short play session can become a fun opportunity to move together.

01

Create an Indoor Obstacle Course

Step Over. Walk Around. Reach Up.

💠Use cushions placed securely on the floor, soft toys and floor markers to create a simple path. Ask your child to walk around an object, step over a low cushion or crawl through a safe open space. Keep the path clear and avoid unstable furniture or slippery surfaces.

02

Play a Movement Copy Game

Can You Move Like Me?

💠Take turns copying each other’s movements. March like a soldier, stretch like a tall tree, waddle like a penguin or jump like a frog. Let your child choose the next movement. This game makes physical activity playful and encourages children to explore different body movements.

03

Have a Ball-Toss Challenge

Roll. Throw. Catch. Try Again.

💠Use a soft ball and an empty laundry basket or large box. Encourage your child to roll the ball towards the target or throw it from a short distance. Celebrate the effort rather than worrying about whether every throw reaches the basket.

Supporting Your Child’s Physical Development at Home

You do not have to become your child’s personal sports coach. Often, the best thing you can do is join in, offer encouragement and make room for active play.

Make movement part of the daily routine

Try a short dance session, a walk after dinner or a few minutes of ball play when your child needs a break from sitting.

Keep activities age-appropriate

Choose movements that match your child’s current abilities. Offer support when needed and avoid pushing them to perform movements they are not ready for.

Make the space safe

Move sharp objects and breakable items out of the way. Use a non-slip surface and supervise climbing, jumping and ball games.

Let your child choose

One day, your child may want to dance. The next day, they may prefer kicking a ball or pretending to be an animal. Following their interests can make movement more enjoyable.

Celebrate effort

Instead of saying only, “You did it!”, try saying, “You kept trying to balance!” This helps children notice their own effort and progress.

Balance active play with rest

Children need time to move, but they also need breaks, sleep and quieter activities throughout the day.

Professional Early Childhood Learning

At Krazy Tots International Preschool, early childhood learning involves more than books and classroom activities. Children also need opportunities to move, explore, interact and discover what their bodies can do.

Age-appropriate movement and play activities can help children practise coordination, balance, listening and cooperation in a supportive setting.

From Nursery to LKG and UKG, children benefit from a balanced learning experience that includes physical play, creative activities, communication and early academic skills.

Every child is different. Providing a variety of activities and allowing children to practise at their own pace helps make physical development a positive part of their early learning journey.

Gross Motor Skills in Early Childhood FAQs

What are gross motor skills in early childhood?

Gross motor skills involve using the large muscles of the body for movements such as walking, running, jumping, climbing, balancing and kicking a ball.

How much physical activity does a preschooler need?

Children aged 3–5 generally benefit from being active throughout the day, with a variety of movement opportunities. The type and duration of activity should suit the child’s age, interests and abilities.

What is the difference between gross motor and fine motor skills?

Gross motor skills involve large body movements, such as running and jumping. Fine motor skills involve smaller movements of the hands and fingers, such as drawing, picking up objects and using a pencil.

What if my child struggles with physical activities?

Children develop at different rates, so occasional difficulty with a new activity does not necessarily indicate a problem. If you notice persistent difficulty with movements or balance, loss of previously acquired skills, or concerns about your child’s development, discuss them with your paediatrician.

HELP YOUR CHILD MOVE, PLAY AND GROW

Every Little Movement Is a Chance to Learn

From the first jump across the room to the first successful ball toss, small moments of movement can become important learning experiences. With encouragement, safe spaces and plenty of opportunities to play, children can gradually build physical confidence and coordination.
At Krazy Tots International Preschool, we believe childhood should include opportunities to explore, move, discover and learn through meaningful experiences.

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Gross Motor Skills in Early Childhood
Activities Parents Can Try at Home

Little Moves Today Build Big Skills for Tomorrow

Running and Walking

Jumping and Hopping

Balancing

Throwing and Kicking

Climbing and Crawling

Dancing and Moving to Music

Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important in the Preschool Years?