Gross motor skills are those which require whole body movement and which involve the large muscles of the body to perform everyday functions, such as standing and walking, running and jumping, and sitting upright at the table. They also includes eye-hand coordination skills such as ball skills (throwing, catching, kicking) as well as skipping, doing jumping jacks, galloping, and participating in Physical Education.
Gross Motor Milestone's Checklist - this can be used as a resource to understand what other kids of the same age might be expected to be doing.
Gross Motor Skills used during school include:
Running
Jumping
Catching a ball
Throwing a ball
Kicking a ball
Skipping
Galloping
Climbing on playground equipment
Activities to promote learning new gross motor skills:
Playing tag - this is a great way to work on running and the balance it takes to change directions and speeds
Hopscotch - a great way to work on jumping
Jumping over obstacles, jumping off the bottom step, jumping backwards and sideways - this helps promote balance and coordination
Playing a game of catch or soccer - this is a wonderful way to work on the back and forth nature of games like this
Skipping - Hop on one leg, step, hop on the other leg - break this down if your child is having trouble learning this
Jumping Jacks - break down into jumping like a star (arms and legs wide) and jumping like a pencil (feet together, hands at side) to encourage better motor planning and sequencing
Playing Simon Says - this is a great way to get your kid to mimic different movements
Bubbles - blow bubbles and have your child kick the bubbles to pop them, or use two hands together to clap a bubble