Why Gross Motor Skills Matter

By Molly, Paediatric Physiotherapist

Movement plays a huge role in how children grow and develop. As a physiotherapist, I often speak with parents about gross motor skills and why they are such an important part of a child’s development.

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

Gross motor skills are big movements that use the body’s large muscles. These movements allow children to move, balance and control their bodies during everyday activities.

Examples of gross motor skills include:

Running
Jumping
Climbing
Balancing
Throwing
Catching
Kicking
Scooting
Skipping

Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important?

Gross motor development supports much more than just physical activity. These skills help children in several important areas of development.

Strength - Active play helps children build the muscle strength needed for everyday activities like walking, climbing and playing.

Balance and Body Awareness - Children learn how to control their bodies and understand where their body is in space, helping them develop stability and move safely.

Coordination - Gross motor activities help children use different parts of their body together smoothly and efficiently.

Brain Development - Movement supports focus, learning and problem-solving as physical activity helps strengthen connections in the brain.

Confidence - As children learn new physical skills, they often become more confident and willing to try new activities.

Simple Ways to Encourage Movement

Children develop motor skills best when they have regular opportunities to move and play.

Some simple ways to support gross motor development include:

Visiting playgrounds and parks gives children opportunities to climb, balance and explore movement.
Practising throwing and catching helps develop coordination and control.
Creating simple obstacle courses encourages crawling, jumping and balancing.
Encouraging jumping and hopping games helps build strength and balance.
Practising scooting and cycling supports balance and coordination.
Encouraging participation in sports helps develop physical skills and confidence.
Encouraging activities like dance, gymnastics and other activities like boxing / martial arts helps to develop coordination and strength.

These activities do not need to be complicated. Even small opportunities for movement throughout the day can help children practise important skills.

Play, Move, Grow

Encouraging active play and regular opportunities for movement helps children build the skills they need for everyday life while supporting their overall development. Through movement and play children develop strength, coordination, confidence and a positive relationship with being active.

Supporting Movement Through Play

Simple play equipment can help children practise important movement skills.

Balance bikes and scooters support balance and coordination, footballs encourage throwing, catching and kicking skills and play mats provide a safe space for floor play and early movement.

Many SONAÍ products are designed to support these types of movement through play. You can explore the range here:

https://www.sonai.ie/collections/all-products