GROSS MOTOR ACTIVITIES

All children need opportunities to move and use their bodies. Very young children do so constantly as they experiment with what their bodies can do and where their bodies will fit. Just as they use manipulative toys, they like to put their bodies in, on, under, over, through, behind, and around. Gross motor activities give children the opportunity to use their large muscle muscle groups– as well as their imaginations – as they engage in fun, healthy exercises, such as running, jumping and climbing. Outside play promotes physical development such as balance and coordination and body awareness and control.