Infant/ Toddler Gross Motor Development

 

Importance of Gross Motor Development in Infants and Toddlers in Preschool

Gross motor development matters for infants and toddlers because it involves using large muscles to move in ways such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. At the Academy, providing opportunities for gross motor activities in a preschool setting supports children’s overall development.

• Builds strength and coordination: Activities such as climbing, crawling, running, and jumping help children develop stronger muscles and better body control.

• Develops balance and body awareness: Movement activities help children understand how their bodies move through space and improve balance and coordination.

• Supports physical health: Active play encourages healthy physical development and establishes positive habits around movement and exercise.

• Promotes independence: As children become more confident with movements such as walking, climbing, and carrying objects, they are better able to participate independently in everyday activities.

• Supports cognitive development: Gross motor activities help children develop skills such as following directions, problem-solving, spatial awareness, and planning movements.

• Encourages social-emotional development: Group movement games give children opportunities to interact with peers, take turns, cooperate, and build confidence.

• Prepares children for later skills: Strong gross motor skills provide a foundation for more complex physical activities and can support the development of fine motor and classroom skills.

Examples in a classroom

Academy teachers support gross motor development by providing tummy time for infants, crawling opportunities, push-and-pull toys, dancing, outdoor play, climbing structures, balls, obstacle courses, and simple movement games. Activities should be appropriate for each child's developmental level and abilities.

Overall, gross motor development is an essential part of preschool because young children learn through movement. A preschool environment that provides safe, consistent opportunities for active play helps children develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.