Gross Motor

Large movements of the arms, legs, and trunk, like walking, climbing, and jumping.

What Gross Motor Means

Gross motor skills are the big movements that use the larger muscles of the body. Walking, climbing, jumping, throwing, and balancing all depend on them. These movements also give children a steady base for hand and tabletop activities.

How It Supports Daily Activities

  • Walking from the car to a building and climbing steps.
  • Stepping into pants or stepping over the edge of a tub.
  • Carrying a backpack or a laundry basket.

Three Starter Activities

Pick one that fits your child today. Offer choices, adjust as you go, and stop whenever your child wants a break.

Activity 1: Animal Walk Path

Materials

  • Painter's tape or a rope for a path
  • Picture cards of animals (optional)
  • A clear stretch of floor

Simple steps

  1. Make a long, simple path on the floor with tape.
  2. Pick an animal together, such as a bear, crab, frog, or duck.
  3. Move along the path the way that animal moves, with the adult joining in.
  4. Let the child choose the next animal.
  5. Pause for water or rest whenever the child wants.

Easier version

Use a short path and a simple walk like a duck or a giant step.

Harder version

Make the path curvy, or link two animal walks in a row.

Activity 2: Pillow Obstacle Course

Materials

  • Pillows or cushions
  • A blanket to crawl under
  • A low, safe step or stable box
  • Soft flooring

Simple steps

  1. Arrange a few stations in a line, such as step over, crawl under, and walk around.
  2. Walk through once so the child can see the route.
  3. Invite the child to try the course in their own way.
  4. Change one station each round based on the child's ideas.
  5. End with a calm activity, such as sitting and sipping water.

Easier version

Use two stations with plenty of space.

Harder version

Add a balance line or a jump onto a pillow, and time the course for fun if the child likes that.

Activity 3: Beanbag Toss and Fetch

Materials

  • Beanbags or rolled-up socks
  • A laundry basket or large bucket
  • Tape to mark a throwing line

Simple steps

  1. Place the basket a few steps from the tape line.
  2. Show one underhand toss.
  3. Invite the child to toss a beanbag toward the basket from where they feel comfortable.
  4. Walk together to collect the beanbags afterward.
  5. Let the child choose when to move the basket nearer or farther.

Easier version

Move the basket close, or use a very large target.

Harder version

Move the basket farther, or toss with the other hand.

Practice Respectfully

  • Offer choices, such as which activity, which materials, or what comes first.
  • Take breaks anytime, and let your child end an activity.
  • Offer only the help your child accepts, and step back if they would rather try alone.
  • Never require eye contact or touch. Sitting beside your child and sharing attention on the same object counts as taking part.
  • Supervise any activity with small parts, and choose materials that suit your child's age.

Observing Participation

A few short notes after each try can show what is working. Keep them factual and kind.

  • Step attempted: Which part of the activity did your child try or complete?
  • Assistance needed: Did they do it on their own, or with a picture, a spoken reminder, a demonstration, or hands-on help they accepted?
  • Child's response: Did they seem curious, comfortable, or in need of a break? What did they choose?

For this skill: Notice how the child moves between positions, such as standing up or stepping down, and whether they pause to rest.

Example note: "Tried the second step with a picture cue, took a break after two tries, asked to try again later."

Related Skills

← Back to All Skills Back to Activities

Written by Chinaedu Okwumabua, an occupational therapy assistant with more than 20 years of experience supporting children with autism and developmental delays.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individualized occupational therapy evaluation, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different, so choose activities that suit your child, and adjust or stop whenever needed.