Gross Motor Space

Basic space for gross motor play guidelines

• "Adequate" (outdoor space if weather permits) Gross Motor space is used for at least 30 minutes by the full day Creative Curriculum classes (counted from the moment all students "engage" with the gross motor space to the time any child is asked to clean up/line up because "gross motor time is over")

• Outdoor space used weather permitting (if it rains or snows; if it is too cold or too hot; or if there is a weather-related advisory then an indoor space should be used)

• Safe (please report any safety concerns to your site administrator)

Basic gross motor equipment guidelines

• Ample and varied stationary (equipment that is not moved while it is being used, e.g., climbing equipment but also basketball hoops, balance beams, etc.) and portable (equipment that is moved as it is being used, e.g., balls, hula hoops, stilts, etc.) equipment used for at least 30 minutes by the full day Creative Cuccirulum classes to interest all of the children and keep them engaged (no wait time and no students observed fighting over the use of most desired equipment; counted from the moment all students "engage" with the gross motor equipment to the time any student is asked to clean up because "gross motor time is over")

• Equipment stimulates at least 7 different skills (one piece of equipment can stimulate 2 different skills at the most, e.g., balls could count for throwing and catching)

Basic supervision of gross motor guidelines

• Careful supervision occurs in order to ensure children's safety

• Staff show much interest in children who participate in gross motor activity

• Staff initiate vigorous gross motor activity for part of the gross motor time

• Staff help children develop new skills, including showing how to use equipment that requires more advanced skill

Additional Guidelines

• The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Volume 2: Interest Areas, p. 254 to 281

• ECERS-3, p. 24 to 25, 26 to 27, and 68 to 69

• All About the ECERS-3, p. 62 to 73, 74 to 85, and 360 to 370