Gross motor skills programs

Tools to Grow, Inc. Strengthening Exercises A fun way to encourage children to develop muscle strength, balance, and overall body strength. The following strengthening exercises are used by therapists to further develop muscle strength and improve proximal stability stability of the joints closest to the body such as the shoulder girdle and the hip joint thus providing the support needed for optimal postural alignment and endurance, improved balance, and age appropriate motor coordination.

Improved hip stability and lower extremity strength provides a strong foundation for controlled transitions into and out of positions, efficient gait, and improved mobility skills running, jumping, hopping, and climbing. Increased shoulder stability and upper extremity strength provides a foundation for increased hand strength and improved fine motor control and precision. Posted: View Details Resource Details Strengthening Exercise Posters - Color Version These strengthening exercise Posters are the perfect tool to use in therapy and clinic settings as a teaching tool.

View Details Resource Details Strengthening Exercise Cards - Color Version These strengthening exercise cards are the perfect tool to use in therapy, as well as to send home for carryover. Gross motor activities are important to everyday physical activities like walking, running, throwing, lifting, kicking, etc. Gross motor abilities also form the basis for fine motor skills and relate to body awareness, reaction speed, balance and strength. Learn more about all developmental milestones by age.

This information is a general guide to help you determine if your child is progressing at the rate expected for his or her age. Please keep in mind that each child is unique and develops skills at their own rate. By exploring many different types of movement, your child can build the confidence, motivation and physical competence to engage in an active lifestyle.

According to the American Heart Association , a daily dose of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is recommended for children ages six to seventeen years old. Alternatively, you could purchase a small trampoline and have your child practice different jumping styles star, pike, tuck, etc. This activity promotes gross motor skill development because it can involve a variety of skills. Add stations that incorporate climbing, jumping, balance and throwing to hit as many skills as you can.

Use whatever is around you, such as chairs and other equipment or use the surrounding nature. Call out different directions, such as wiggle like a worm, to have your child practice various forms of movement that will encourage coordination, balance, and strength.

Fun and easy game that promotes gross motor skills and challenges the body coordination. Check this great list of jump rope rhymes.

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