Gross motor coordination refers to the ability to use large muscle groups in the body to perform whole-body movements with control, balance, and fluidity. This includes activities like jumping, running, climbing, throwing, and balancing. In OT, gross motor skills are a key focus because they build the foundation for daily activities like playing sports, navigating playground equipment, and developing social skills through active play. Therapists use fun, engaging activities like obstacle courses, balance beams, and ball games to help kids build strength, stability, and coordination. By breaking down movements into manageable steps, therapists help children improve balance, body awareness, and timing, which can enhance their confidence and independence in active play and other daily activities.

Activities to Complete at Home:

1. Hopscotch: Jumping on one foot and balancing helps with coordination.
2. Obstacle Course: Use pillows, chairs, and cushions for kids to crawl under, jump over, and weave through.
3. Jump Rope: Great for rhythm, timing, and coordination.
4. Animal Walks: Have kids crawl like a bear, jump like a frog, or waddle like a duck to build core strength and balance.
5. Ball Toss: Play catch or toss a ball into a target to improve hand-eye coordination.
6. Simon Says: Incorporate actions like standing on one foot, hopping, or spinning for balance and body awareness.
7. Balance Beam: Use a strip of tape on the floor for kids to walk along to practice balance.
8. Dance Party: Put on music and have a dance session to work on rhythm and body control, or follow along with dance videos online. 
9. Yoga Poses: Simple poses like tree pose or downward dog help build strength and stability. We love Cosmic Kids Yoga on Youtube!
10. Scavenger Hunt: Hide objects around the house or yard that kids need to bend, reach, or climb to find.
11. Jumping Jacks: A great whole-body movement for coordination and endurance.
12. Trampoline Time: A mini-trampoline at home is excellent for controlled jumping.
13. Bicycle Riding or Scooter Rides: Perfect for balance and complex coordination.
14. Balloon Volleyball: Use a balloon and try to keep it off the ground—works on timing and control.
15. Wheelbarrow Walks: Parents hold the child’s legs while they “walk” on their hands for upper body strength.
16. Stride jumps: Alternate right arm/leg swinging forward at the same time, and for an added challenge try opposite side stride jumps where you coordinate your right arm with your left leg!
17. Pillow Jumping: Line up pillows on the floor and have kids jump from one to the next for balance and coordination.
18. Ladder Climbing: If safe, let them practice climbing up and down a ladder (or a sturdy play structure), such as at the playground.
19. Skipping: Practice skipping around the yard or house to develop rhythm and coordination.
20. Running Races or Relay Races: Set up a race or relay with family members to work on speed, coordination, and teamwork.