Gross Motor Activities

HIIT Workout for Kids

This is a great resource to help kids build activity tolerance, muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness and self-regulation skills.  I typically use an interval timer to help keep track of the activity.  This is a difficult activity and kids may need extended rest afterwards.  

Simon Says - Motor Version

What a fun way to work on building gross motor skills and motor planning.  

Fitness Activity

This is a great resource/game for helping children build their motor skills, including motor planning, coordination, strength, balance and flexibility.

Ideas for Different Sitting Positions at Home or in Class

• Grapevine Exercise

1. Walking sideways to the left, cross your right foot in front of your left foot, open your feet/uncross your feet, cross your right foot behind your left, open your feet.  Repeat this pattern across the room. 

2. Walking sideways to the right, cross your left leg in front of your right, open your feet/uncross, cross your right left behind your left, open your feet/uncross.  Repeat this pattern across the room.  

WHAT IS CROSS CRAWL?

Cross crawl exercises refer to movements in which we use opposition such as crawling, walking, running, and swimming. Opposition means that opposite sides of the body work together to coordinate the right arm and left leg, then the left arm and right leg. Therapeutically, cross crawl refers to any intentional cross-lateral activity in which you cross the mid-line of the body, such as touching opposite hand and knee or foot. Performing this movement builds the bridge between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, allowing for electrical impulses and information to pass freely between the two, which is essential for physical coordination as well as cerebral activities, such as learning language, reading, and hand-to-eye coordination. 

Though it seems to be a fun, simple exercise, here’s what cross-crawl is doing for you physically and mentally:

1. Stabilizes your walking gait coordination – builds core strength

2. Energizes your body and calms your mind – releases tension and stress

3. Improves your eye teaming skills – essential for focus, reading, and writing

4. Enhances whole-brain thinking – your left and right hemispheres work together

5. Develops proprioception – your spatial and kinesthetic awareness

Please visit this site for more information on crossing midline and it's importance in the development of skills in children.   Benefits of Cross Crawl

• Cross Crawl -  Bring your right elbow or hand down to your left knee, then switch sides bringing your left elbow/hand down to your right knee.  Repeat 20 times.  

  • Challenge Movement for Skilled Movers: Slower movements are more difficult as this incorporates more balance reactions.  Hold each movement for 5 seconds before switching sides.