GROSS MOTOR SKILLS ACTIVITIES

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Play Ball

Gross Motor Skills activity for ages 1 to 7.

This activity is for isolated children, it is meant to help with social interactions.

·       Goal: Develop skills in the movements of arms and in social interactions.

·       Objective: Play catch with someone else.

·       Materials: a baseball or something similar.

·       Procedure: Put the child in front of you, a few feet away. Have him position his hands in front of himself, palms up and hand him the ball. Keep your hands in the same position and say "give me the ball ... (child's name).” Catch the ball when it approaches you.

If he does not respond, repeat the words or gestures. If needed, it is acceptable for you to initiate the  ball throwing.

Repeat the procedure until the child learns to throw the ball. Once he has understood the process, move another step back and throw the ball to him gently below arms. Do not worry if at first he does not catch the ball just keep trying. 

Continue this action until the child is able to catch and throw the ball correctly. Make sure to reward the child and praise him continually.

Going Up and Going Over Simple Obstacles.

Gross motor skills activity for ages 1 to 3

This activity is meant to improve body mobility through imitation.

·       Goal: Improve coordination and motor skills

·       Objective: Jump cross a number of small obstacles.

·       Materials:  shoe boxes, stools, large dictionaries, milk cartons, or similar items

·       Procedure: Place a number of milk cartons and shoes on the floor. Show the child how to go through each obstacle, using movements and try to exaggerate and then help him to cross the same objects by elevating him slightly.

Repeats the word "jump" each time he goes over one of the boxes or cartons.

Repeat the procedure many times until he learns to skip through the obstacles without your help.

When he masters stepping over boxes, help him to jump over larger objects such as a small stool or a bulky dictionary.

Show him how to jump first with one foot and then the other.

If he cannot jump over the hurdles, show the child how to do it and have him imitate your action again.