Gross Motor – Our Top Picks


Mastering Gross Motor Skills: Essential Resources for Families and Educators

Gross motor skills form the foundation of a child’s physical development, enabling movements such as crawling, walking, running, and climbing. These essential skills, powered by large muscle groups, not only support a child’s ability to navigate their environment but also lay the groundwork for fine motor skill development and social skills development.

At Look Hear Australia, we understand the challenges children with developmental delays or disabilities may face in mastering gross motor skills. Whether it’s managing high or low muscle tone or simply needing more opportunities to practice, the right support can make a world of difference. With the rise of screen time and “baby containers” limiting natural movement, it’s more important than ever to provide intentional opportunities for gross motor development.

This blog shares tried-and-true resources to help families, teachers, and therapists foster gross motor skills. If you’ve found other tools that work wonders, we’d love to hear about them in the comments!


Why Gross Motor Skills Matter

Gross motor skills are critical for daily life, from getting dressed to playing on the playground. These skills:

  • Build confidence and independence.
  • Enable participation in social and physical activities.
  • Lay the foundation for lifelong health and fitness.

For children with additional needs, developing gross motor skills can open doors to new opportunities and enhance overall quality of life. With thoughtful interventions and resources, we can help every child reach their full potential.


Top Resources for Gross Motor Skills Development

1. Twinkl: Gross Motor Resources

  • Why We Love It:
    Twinkl provides a treasure trove of printable teaching materials, including activities designed specifically for gross motor development. As someone who loves efficient, ready-made resources, Twinkl is a daily go-to. Their ideas are easy to implement and incredibly versatile.
  • Best For: Parents, therapists, teachers.
  • Cost: Free and premium options available.
  • Where to Find It: Visit Twinkl

2. GoNoodle: Movement and Mindfulness App

  • Why We Love It:
    GoNoodle combines movement and mindfulness, offering short, engaging videos that keep kids active and energized. It’s perfect for creating movement breaks or teaching relaxation skills in fun, interactive ways.
  • Best For: Parents, therapists, teachers.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Where to Find It: Explore GoNoodle

3. PE Central: Adapting Physical Education

  • Why We Love It:
    This resource helps educators adapt physical activities for children with varying abilities, ensuring inclusivity in PE classes. Their practical tips make it easy to adjust exercises for all skill levels.
  • Best For: PE teachers, therapists.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Where to Find It: Visit PE Central

4. Kids Health: Tips for Encouraging Physical Activity

  • Why We Love It:
    With a focus on promoting healthy habits, Kids Health offers actionable advice for integrating physical activity into daily routines. Their tips are straightforward and adaptable, making them great for busy families.
  • Best For: Parents, teachers, therapists.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Where to Find It: Check Out Kids Health

5. The OT Toolbox: Gross Motor Activities

  • Why We Love It:
    The OT Toolbox features creative activity ideas and printable resources for developing gross motor skills at home or in therapy sessions. Their content ranges from simple DIY activities to in-depth guides for professionals.
  • Best For: Parents, therapists, teachers.
  • Cost: Free and paid options available.
  • Where to Find It: Explore The OT Toolbox

Tips for Supporting Gross Motor Skill Development

  1. Encourage Outdoor Play: Activities like climbing, jumping, and running are natural ways for kids to develop gross motor skills.
  2. Create Opportunities for Practice: Dedicate time for structured movement activities like obstacle courses or yoga.
  3. Incorporate Movement Breaks: Use tools like GoNoodle to introduce short bursts of physical activity during the day.

We love challenges like 1000 Outside and generally being outside and about – naturally outdoors encourages so many novel and exciting movement opportunities.


Final Thoughts

Developing gross motor skills is an essential milestone in every child’s journey, and with the right tools and support, progress is always possible. Whether you’re a parent helping your child take their first steps, a teacher incorporating movement into the classroom, or a therapist tailoring interventions, these resources can guide you in fostering growth and confidence.

We’d love to hear about the resources and strategies you use to support gross motor development. Share your ideas in the comments or check out our downloadable resources for additional tools. Remember, every child progresses at their own pace, and with patience, encouragement, and the right supports, they can achieve incredible things.


Looking for expert support in Paediatric Occupational Therapy?


Tara at Look Hear Australia in Townsville, North Queensland is here to help! We offer face-to-face sessions for local clients, and for those in Queensland, Victoria, and the Northern Territory, we provide convenient telehealth options.

📅 Now accepting new clients! We’re currently opening a short waiting list with limited monthly spots for term 2, 2025 available (we are full for term 1!). Don’t miss your chance to get the support you need—book your initial consultation today!

👉 To secure your spot or learn more, lookhearaustralia@gmail.com

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