Gross motor skills describes physical development using ‘big movements’. Starting with small babies rolling over and moving on as they grow to being able to run, jump and hop. The best way to help a child build on these skills is to give them plenty of opportunity to practice them.
Most children will run, hop on one foot and be able to kick, throw and sometimes catch a ball by the time they start school. They should be able to safely manage going up and downstairs.
You might notice that your child has difficulties with their gross motor skills. This could be their co-ordination, balance, or difficulty with hand eye coordination tasks.
Coordination & Motor Skills
Click HereFizzy Programme
Click HereChildren's Occupational Therapists work with children from birth to 18 (or 19 if attending Complex Need schools). If your child or young person is under the Occupational Therapy teams, you can speak to them about any questions you may have.
If you think your child requires specialist support, please speak to their GP.
If you have any questions about your child or young person's general health or development, you can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
muscle tone is low, muscles are more relaxed and your child or young person may appear floppy. Difficulties in this area may include using increased effort to achieve movement; difficulties controlling and co-ordinating movement or tiring easily.
in this area may include balance and posture. This can often be seen through difficulties in activities such as riding a bike, participating in team games or even just sitting still.
to the increased movements around joints. It can occur at any joint in the body and can affect your child’s movement and co-ordination. Difficulties can also include poor body awareness, tiring easily and complaining of pain around the joint.
to the ability to organise movement including: