Gross motor skills in kids: Useful information for parents
Gross motor skills involve the use of the larger muscle groups in the body for the performance of activities such as walking and running and sitting in a proper posture. They start developing starts when the kid is 2 months and end when the kid is 6.
Why are they important?
Proper development of gross mobility enables children to develop the fine mobility skills and have to do with self-care skills such as dressing, writing, etc. For example, a child’s ability to stay in one posture will affect his or her ability to write and draw, his or her ability to pay attention to instructions in the classroom, which in turn affects his or her academic learning.
Alarm bells for parents
Parents should pay special attention for the development of gross mobility if their kid: -walks in a “funny” way or on his toes -is clumsy -something does not look right on his feet or soles -does not meet development milestones
How to enhance gross mobility in children
Housework
Although children may not do them as effectively as adults, however, it would be good to give them some small responsibilities that will help them, among other things, to develop their gross mobility. Children could carry books and notebooks, put clothespins on clothes, put toys in their place, make their bed, put ingredients in a food or dessert.
Dance
Parents and kids can create a simple choreography together.
Ball games
A light and soft ball could be the ideal “tool” for games that enhance gross motor skills.
Learning how to balance
Such activities include clapping their hands and jumping at the same time, walking and running in a straight line. Giota Florou Sources: paidemata.gr, paidologio.com, paidagogiko.gr Recent Articles
