Importance of Gross Motor Skills
Importance of Gross Motor Skills
There’s nothing more than we want as parents for our child to grow up happy and healthy. We want to see them run, jump, climb, and play, but did you know that these activities are more than just fun and games? They are important for the development of gross motor skills, which are the building blocks for physical, cognitive, and social development. So, let’s dive deeper into understanding gross motor skills and learn more about why they are so important for our little ones.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills are all about those big muscle movements that allow our little ones to run and jump around. These skills involve the muscles in the arms, legs, and core of the body, and they help our children to perform the everyday activities that we often take for granted. As our kids grow and develop, they go through various stages, each of which is identified by the movements they perform. So, whether your child is taking their first steps or learning to throw a ball, they are developing their gross motor skills along the way.
When it comes to gross motor skills, there are four main types of movements that your child will develop: locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative, and stability.
Locomotor movements are getting from one place to another and include activities like walking, running, skipping, hopping, and jumping.
Non-locomotor movements, on the other hand, are stationary movements that involve things like bending, twisting, and stretching.
Manipulative movements involve using objects and include activities like throwing, catching, hitting, and kicking.
Finally, stability movements are maintaining balance and body control and include activities like standing on one foot, sitting, or kneeling.
Now that you have a better understanding of these different types of movements, you can help your child to develop their gross motor skills in a variety of fun and engaging ways.
Benefits of Gross Motor Skills
Physical Development
Not only are gross motor skills loads of fun for kids, but they’re also incredibly important for their physical health. Kids build a strong foundation for physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through their gross motor skills. As your child becomes more skilled in these gross motor abilities, they will likely feel more confident and excited to engage in physical activities and sports. This leads to many health benefits like a stronger cardiovascular system, increased muscle and bone strength, and a reduced risk of obesity. So, not only will your child be having a blast, but they’ll also be setting themselves up for a lifetime of good health!
Cognitive Development
Did you know that helping your child develop their gross motor skills improves their academic performance? That’s right! Studies have shown that kids who are physically active and proficient in gross motor skills tend to do better in school.
By practising gross motor skills, children develop spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and visual perception, all of which are crucial for tasks like reading, writing, and math. Plus, when kids are physically active, their brains release endorphins, which makes them feel happier and more motivated to learn.
Whether it’s through organised sports or just running around outside, helping your child develop these skills is a fun and rewarding way to set them up for success!
Social and Emotional Development
Gross motor skills also play a vital role in developing social and emotional skills in children.
When children participate in physical activities with others, they learn important social skills like taking turns, cooperating, and communicating effectively. It also boosts your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem, which are important for healthy social and emotional development. When your child learns a new skill or achieves a physical goal, it makes them feel proud and accomplished. Moreover, taking part in physical activities with others can create a feeling of connectedness and foster a sense of belonging and community in your child.
There are many activities you can do together with your child to encourage gross motor skill development. Take your child to a bounce or trampoline class to practice jumping and bouncing. You can also take them to an indoor play gym where they can practice climbing, crawling, and swinging. Another fun activity is to visit your neighbourhood park, where your child can run, jump, and climb on the playground equipment. If you prefer to stay indoors, create an obstacle course in your living room or play games like Simon Says to encourage different types of movements. By making gross motor skill development a fun and interactive experience, you empower your child to develop important skills while creating lasting memories together!
How Can Mulberry Learning Help?
At Mulberry Learning, we recognise the importance of gross motor skills in a child’s development. That’s why we incorporate a range of gross motor activities into our curriculum, including outdoor play, sports, and dance. Our iExperience curriculum also features a variety of physical activities and challenges designed to develop children’s gross motor skills while promoting fun, learning, and social interaction.
With the help of Mulberry Learning’s iExperience curriculum, you can ensure that your child has access to quality resources and activities to support their gross motor development. So, let’s get moving and help our children develop the skills they need to thrive!
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