Movement skills come in two broad groups. Gross motor skills use the large muscles: walking, running, jumping, climbing and balancing. Fine motor skills use the small muscles of the hands: picking up small objects, drawing, buttoning and eating with a spoon. Both develop mostly through everyday play.
Ideas for big movements
- Floor obstacle course. Cushions to climb over, a table to crawl under, a line of tape to walk along.
- Ball games. Rolling, kicking and throwing into a bucket. Soft or rolled-up sock balls work indoors.
- Animal walks. Hop like a frog, stretch like a cat, walk like a bear on hands and feet.
- Balance. Standing on one foot while counting, walking on a low edge while holding a hand.
Ideas for hands
- Tearing and scrunching paper, then sticking the pieces on a sheet.
- Pouring water or rice between cups, with a tray to catch spills.
- Dough or clay. Rolling, pinching and pressing strengthens the hands for later writing.
- Everyday tasks. Peeling a boiled egg, putting clothes pegs on a bowl, sorting lentils from beans with supervision.
- Drawing on a vertical surface, such as paper taped to a wall, which helps shoulder and wrist control.
Keep it safe
Stay close during climbing and water play. Keep small objects away from children who still put things in their mouths, as they can cause choking.
When to ask for advice
Children vary widely. Speak with a doctor if your child is not walking by around 18 months, often trips or falls much more than peers, seems very floppy or stiff, uses only one side of the body, or loses skills they already had. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess movement and suggest activities that fit your child.
Sources and further reading
- CDC — Milestones by 2 years
- NHS — Your baby’s development: walking and movement