🏃 Motor Skills

Why Physical Play Matters

Motor skills are the foundation for all physical activity. They help children explore their environment, learn new things, and build confidence. Physical play also supports brain development—when children move their bodies, they're building neural connections that help with learning, memory, and focus.

Gross Motor Skills (Big Movements)

These are movements that involve large muscles groups (arms, legs, core).

Activities by Age

0-12 months

Tummy Time: Builds neck and core strength

Rolling Games: Encourage rolling from side to side

Supported Sitting: Helps develop balance

12-24 months

Walking/Running: Practice walking and running with support

Climbing: Climb stairs or soft play structures

Ball Play: Roll, catch, and kick balls

24-36 months

Jumping: Jump with two feet

Pedaling: Ride a tricycle or balance bike

Obstacle Courses: Crawl under tables, jump over pillows

3-5 years

Hopscotch: Practice hopping on one foot

Swinging: Swing independently

Team Games: Play tag, soccer, or other simple team games

Fine Motor Skills (Hand Skills)

These are small, precise movements that involve hands and fingers.

Activities by Age

0-12 months

Reaching: Grab toys with both hands

Transferring: Move objects from one hand to the other

Exploring Textures: Touch and feel different objects

12-24 months

Stacking Blocks: Build towers with blocks

Scribbling: Draw with crayons or chalk

Buttoning/Zipping: Practice on large buttons and zippers

24-36 months

Stringing Beads: String large beads on a string

Cutting: Cut paper with safety scissors

Pouring: Pour water or rice between containers

3-5 years

Writing/Drawing: Write letters or draw detailed pictures

Tying Shoes: Learn to tie simple knots and laces

Playing with Clay: Mold and shape clay into different forms

Indoor Activity Ideas

  • Pillow forts (gross motor)
  • Playdough (fine motor)
  • Obstacle courses with furniture (gross motor)
  • Sticker art (fine motor)

Outdoor Activity Ideas

  • Sidewalk chalk (fine motor)
  • Slides and swings (gross motor)
  • Digging in dirt or sand (fine motor)
  • Running and chasing games (gross motor)

Screen Time Guidance (AAP Recommendations)

For children 0-18 months: No screen time except video chatting with family

For children 18-24 months: Limited screen time (1 hour or less) with high-quality content

For children 2-5 years: 1 hour or less of screen time per day

Tip: Use screen time as a co-viewing activity to talk about what you're watching together.