Sweet Waters OT

Gross Motor Skills — Strong Bodies for Brighter Futures | Sweet Waters OT

For Parents

Gross Motor Skills

Strong Bodies for Brighter Futures

Gross Motor Skills — developmental milestones and activities

Why gross motor skills matter

  • Builds core strength, balance and coordination
  • Supports posture and endurance for sitting at a table
  • Helps with concentration and learning
  • Develops body awareness and confidence
  • Supports fine motor skills (e.g. handwriting, cutting, dressing)
  • Helps children participate fully in school, sport and play

Fun activities to try at home

  • Jumping over cushions
  • Hopping on one foot
  • Skipping
  • Balance beam walking
  • Obstacle courses
  • Ball skills
  • Active chores
  • Climbing safely

By Grade R, most children should be able to:

  • Walk confidently, run and change direction
  • Keep balance on one foot for a few seconds
  • Jump with two feet and land with control
  • Hop on one foot (a few times)
  • Climb, crawl and move confidently on playground equipment
  • Throw, catch and kick a ball
  • Show good posture and core strength
"A strong body helps a child do the things they want to do!"

Sweet Waters Occupational Therapy · Jassmine van Aardt B.OT (UDW) · SI Certified (SAISI) · EASI Trained · HPCSA: OT0085413

35 School Road, Amanzimtoti · [email protected] · sweetwatersot.co.za