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Fine Motor Skills The average age for mastering the fine motor skills necessary for writing, cutting, and using tools in elementary school is 6½ years (Lippincott, 2004). Fine motor activities we do with young children help them gradually build strength and coordination, or manual dexterity, in the muscles of the hands and wrist and encourage […]

Simple Action Games for Young Children Game Gross Motor Skill Description Crab tag Agility and coordination One child is the crab and chases other children, who must all move with feet and hands on the floor. Crabs who are caught go to a spot designated “the net.” Stop/go (red light/green light) Agility and speed Children

Gross Motor Equipment and Materials Skills Equipment Uses Coordination Playground balls Sport balls (football, soccer, basketball, tennis available in foam) Large floor balls Whiffle balls Basket/hoop Goal/net Hula hoops Bean bags, ring toss Foam “noodles” or bats Horseshoes (foam or rubber) Bowling pins (plastic) Ball catcher cups Frisbees Streamers/scarves Throwing, catching, rolling, Kicking, foot/hand dribbling,

Materials and Equipment In addition to permanent playground structures designed for climbing, swinging, and sliding, early childhood educators should have and regularly use a variety of materials and equipment to promote the attainment of gross motor skills. Table 8.3 provides a list of small equipment items and the type of development they support. Active Games

Activities that can promote these gross motor skills include: For coordination: jumping, hopping, skipping, dribbling, throwing, catching, kicking, pedaling For balance: walking or running on line or beam, standing on one foot, spinning, twisting, bending forward and backward, squatting For agility: moving sideways, starting/stopping, stepping, navigating obstacles, crawling, rolling, tumbling, twisting, jumping rope For power:

Gross Motor Skills iStockphoto / Thinkstock A running game with a large ball is an activity that integrates all the components of gross motor developmentcoordination, balance, agility, power, and speed. Teachers can use many activities and materials to promote the acquisition and development of coordination, balance, agility, power, and speed (Gallahue & Ozmun, 2006)the gross motor

Planning Outdoor Activity Areas Space or Interest Area Supported Activities Examples of Equipment and Materials to Support Area Open area Running, games, planned physical activities such as an obstacle course or play with a parachute Paved or cushioned surface (e.g., grass, mulch, rubber) balls, ropes, hula hoops, parachute, cones, bean bags Water/mud play Filling, pouring,

Considerations for planning outdoor environments include: Managing risk with age-appropriate equipment and materials. Supervision policies that protect children from physical harm but do not limit their freedom. Scheduling playtimes to accommodate children from multiple groups or classes. Adapting the environment to support children with special needs. Providing for a balance of activities and practices compatible

NASPE Physical Activity Guidelines for Children up to Age 5 Physical Activity Focus Infants Toddlers Preschoolers Time for structured physical activity Interact with caregivers in daily physical activities dedicated to exploring movement and the environment. Engage in a total of at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity each day. Accumulate at least 60 minutes

The NASPE also identifies six national physical education standards: Demonstrating competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Demonstrating understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities. Participating regularly in physical activity. Achieving and maintaining a health-enhancing