relation to other objects or people
•Lateral Skills –awareness of the left and right sides of the body
How can you build gross motor skills in the classroom?
All things considered, you could do a few fun things during transitions and skill practice to help build gross motor skills because there is not enough time during recess and physical education classes. Grab FREE Gross and Fine Motor Ideas.
1. Lay on Belly
While watching videos, playing games, working on computers, or hearing books let kiddos lay on the floor. Surprisingly, it is very difficult for some students so be sure to watch to see who sits up first! Obviously, those kiddos a need a LOT of practice. So check out this post about Brain Research for other ways to help with learning.
2. Crab Walk
Instead of walking, kiddos can crab walk or bear crawl around the room. Surely, it will also help slow down those kiddos that like to run! Just be sure to have small groups go at one time. Subsequentially, everyone at once can be a mess!
3. Push Up Hold
Especially for any practice, do push up and hold, just like planks! After all, who doesn’t love a plank! If you do it with them, you get your exercise in for the day! 🤣
As a matter of fact, you can practice counting, spelling words, math facts, names of planets, etc. Give it a try! How long until the burn when you say the ABC’s in a plank? I start to shake at about e!
4. Movement to Songs
Also add movements to songs you sing. Check out the movement we use to say the alphabet. Fun Ways to Teach Letters and Sounds.
5. Kneel to Write and Color
During writing or coloring, have the kiddos work in a kneeling position. It works so many muscles. Be sure there is no sitting back on the legs. Although this is difficult because of the stabilization, students think it’s fun!
6. Provide Opportunities to Move
EXTRA:
Love this! These ideas would be so simple to integrate into my daily routines!
Thanks Erica!
So many great ideas and so easy to implement! Thanks 🙂
You are very welcome, Julie!