May 6, 2021
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Springtime Movement Activity

Let’s put some Spring into your step!

Spring has sprung and what better way to work on our child’s gross motor abilities then outside with a fun movement activity. This activity consists of both fine and gross motor skill building activities while addressing the key motor milestones for your child’s gross motor development. Check out one of your Physical Therapist’s quick break down of how to replicate this activity for your student and children in the video link below.

Click here to watch the video!

What is Gross motor development?

Gross Motor physical abilities involve whole body movements with large (core stabilizing) muscles in order to perform everyday functions. These skills can look like a child being able to sit, stand, walk, run, jump, kick, throw, hop, skip, etc.. Each skill is achieved by a specific age range and typically in succession of one another. In fact, it allows us to access our environment for everyday activities of daily living.

Pick a Flower Activity will include the follow materials:

Construction paper
Popsicle sticks
Scissors and Glue
Sharpie
Empty bucket or flower pot

Step-By-Step:

Have your student/child trace a flower, cut it out and glue it to a popsicle stick. Then place a physical gross motor activity written at the bottom of the stick and place it in the pot/bucket. Chose from the following gross motor developmental movements:

1. Jumping Jacks

2. Hop

3. Skip

4. Gallop

5. Run

6. Tip Toe Walk

7. Ski Jump

The goal can be to complete each exercise 10 times. Get outside, make it a competition, time yourself, or just take turns. Working on repetitive practice of these skills will improve their overall gross motor development, strength, balance and coordination.