ABCs of Gross Motor Day 1: A-E

Welcome to Day 1 of the ABCs of Gross Motor. Over the next 5 days I’m going to give a lot of gross motor fun. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do and that at the end of this 5 day series you have some great ideas for your kids!

A is for Active

Everything about gross motor is about being active! There are so many things you can do to keep you and your kids going. Last year I did a 30 day Challenge of Moving with Kids and this year I’m doing a 31 Days of Gross Motor Challenge this January. It got the kids and me moving. I know that when my kids are active they are much happier and full of life. They should not be spending their time in front of the TV, ipad or computer.

Here are some great A Blog Posts:
Alternating Feet on Stairs
Playdough to Plato – Alphabet and Sight Word Scramble
Momma’s Fun World – Alphabet scoop for spelling
Small School OT – Activities to Improve Gross Motor

B is for Balance

Balance is an important skill for everyone to have. You can work on it in many different ways. We have flipped a coin to see which leg we will stand on and count to see how long we can maintain it. I have use Balance Cushions with the girls. They can sit on them, stand on them, or walk across them. They are a lot of fun.

Here are some great B Blog Posts:
Gross Motor: Balance Cushion
2 Big 2 Little – Our new balance beam

C is for Coordination

Coordination is an important part of gross motor skills. It can be as simple as moving your arms and legs together or alternating between right and left sides. This is important for kids to learn.

A lot of movements that we do for play teach basic coordination. Put two tape lines down on the floor and have them do hands on one side and feet on the other side and move across the tape line. This is great for coordination. Change this up and put right on one side and left on the other and move down the line. You can also switch between two different types of activities. Walk a balance beam and then do hopscotch. It works different muscles and makes them think.

Here are some great C Blog Posts:
Creative Learning Fun – Colored Pumpkin Run
Frugal Fun 4 Boys – Preschool Exercises for Gross Motor Coordination

D is for Dance

Kids love to dance! They can very easily get into whatever it is they are doing. There are many different types. You can do silly, serious, line, ball room, swing, freeze, and so much more. It is easy to pick out music of different styles. You can have them create a dance pattern all their own or do dances they might know like the chicken dance.

Here are some great D Blog Posts:
The Good Long Road – Cinco De Mayo-Inspired Dance
Tatyland Montessori – DIY Balance Beam
This Reading Mama – Dice Dot Pattern Game

E is for Equipment

Equipment can be many different things. I use a lot of masking tape, paper plates and yarn. It is amazing how simple things can work. There is nothing wrong with using ordinary household items in your gross motor. Nothing says you have to go out and buy anything expensive. I do have some equipment in the house. The ones I use the most are Balance Cushion, Parachute; 6 Ft. Diameter, Cones, Spot Markers, Scooter Board with Handles, Mini Trampoline with Handrail and Hula Hoops.

Here are some great E Blog Posts:
Home Learning Journey – Exercise Class
We Can Do All Things – Our Favorite Gross Motor Toys

Be sure and to check out the other days!
ABCs of Gross Motor Day 2: F-J!
ABCs of Gross Motor Day 3: K-O!
ABCs of Gross Motor Day 4: P-T
ABCs of Gross Motor Day 4: U-Z

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its Our Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

Cassie – 3Dinosaurs.com

Disclaimer: This is not intended to be the end all of gross motor but just ideas that can be used and should not replace something else you are doing. This is not medical advice either.