3 Ways gross motor skills can help your preschooler get ready for school

Gross motor skills enable us to use our large muscles to move our arms, legs, feet and trunks. They enable us to coordinate our movements and to balance as we move around.

Gross motor skills are not just for playing sports, they can help your child learn write neatly, to read well and to be able to concentrate on the task at hand.

To build a solid foundation for learning, preschool gross motor activities need to be a part of your child’s daily routine. Gross motor activities reinforce these school skills and improve children’s confidence and self-esteem.

1. Sitting at a desk to work

Strong core muscles help your child to sit comfortably upright.

You can work on strengthening these muscles naturally by engaging in play!

Children love activities that get their body moving; like running, swimming, jumping, climbing, walking like a lion, a crab, pumping legs on the swing, riding a bike, and playing hopscotch.

As long as they are moving their body and staying active - you are improving those essential skills!

2. Listening and following directions

Following the instructions around an activity or a game develops the ability to listen carefully and follow the directions; an important part of learning! Simon Says and the Hokey Pokey are two great listening games to work on gross motor skills.

3. Strengthening math skills while you play

By counting jumps and throws and by recognizing numbers on hopscotch grid. Remember, in order to build a solid foundation for learning, preschool gross motor activities need to be a part of your child’s daily routine!