Acknowledgements - gapitc

Gross motor skills
Activities and Strategies
for Development
Aim for the Target
Place a large box or laundry basket on its side in an open space outdoors. Put
something sturdy behind the “target” to keep it from falling over.
Place a medium-sized ball nearby and gently kick it to show your child how to
kick the ball at the target.
Encourage your child to do the same. Retrieve it for her and roll it back so she
can kick again.
Later, set the basket upright and let her try to throw smaller balls into it.
Step back and watch her enjoy kicking, throwing, and laughing, even if she does
not hit the “target!”
Special Needs Tips
A child with limited leg mobility can sit on the ground and roll the
ball toward the target. A child in a wheelchair can throw the ball
or “bowl” it from the chair.
Rock and Roll
Sit “feet to feet” with your child with your feet spread apart. Roll a mediumsized
ball back and forth with him.
Move back a short distance and roll the ball back and forth again.
Repeat several more times, increasing the distance between you each time.
See how far apart you can sit and still be able to roll and catch the ball.
When your child is ready for a challenge, try bouncing the ball gently to him.
See if he can catch it as you both stay seated on the ground.
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