Gross Motor Development and Fun Gross Motor Games

After a baby has spent enough time pulling to stand and holding on to furniture and similar supports in her environment she will begin to feel comfortable in upright. When your baby is feeling stable she will begin to take steps.  This is a very exciting time for both you and your baby.  Walking is a very important milestone for your baby to achieve.  It will also set the stage for new and exciting opportunities for learning and development.  Once your baby has mastered walking she will be ready to move on to other stages of gross motor development.  Before you know it your baby will have blossomed into a toddler who’s running, climbing, jumping, going up and down steps, and kicking a ball. Give your toddler a lot of opportunity to experience, practice, and perfect her gross motor skills.  Outdoor playgrounds and indoor gyms allow for many motor opportunities for you and your toddler to enjoy. There are many gross motor play activities that you can encourage at this stage of your toddler's development. There are backyard toys such as a see-saw or a small slide that you can encourage your toddler to go on.  If you have ample space these items can be provided indoors as well.  You can play catch, throw, bounce, and kick a ball with your toddler.  Ride-on toys are another way for your toddler to develop her gross motor skills. Games such as “ring-around-the rosy” and “hokey pokey” are other fun ways for you and your toddler to practice, have fun, and continue to perfect her gross motor skills. If you have a small stepping stool you can help your toddler practice stepping up on the stool and jumping off of the stool.  Your toddler will love this activity and it will help her develop skill with stair climbing, jumping, and improved balance.  Another good way to use your stepping stool is to have your toddler sit on it. Since the stool does not have a back rest to lean on, your toddler will rely on her postural muscles to keep herself on the stool.  This activity is another way to build strength and balance. Another fun gross motor play activity you can engage your toddler with is getting down on the floor and pretending to be various animals.  They can demonstrate how they are a dog, lion, elephant or any other animal your toddler can imagine. Regardless of which gross motor play activities you choose, you and your toddler are sure to have lots  fun doing them.