Children need to move! For health, for learning, for well being. And in the colder months, it is harder and harder to give our children the opportunity to move their bodies! We are excited to be a part of the Gross Motor Series from A to Z from Still Playing School! This series provides 26 ideas for helping your child move their bodies during the colder, indoor months. And of course, these gross motor activities can be used any season, and would probably be even more fun utilized outdoors :)
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Our next letter that we are studying in our homeschooling is I, so the fun gross motor activity we chose was “I is for Inchworm”! This gross motor activity requires some concentration and patience. My son is in his element, completely, when we take out a Brain Break activity. We try to take about fifteen minutes to get active, twice a day. And John’s smile is never as big as when he gets to pick an activity. An inchworm is one of his favorites.
The inchworm sensory helps the vestibular sensory system and helps a student get refocused for learning! A child lays down on his tummy with hands pressed to their sides. He uses his feet, knees, and shoulders to inch across the floor.
At first my son was annoyed and didn’t want to try, but then he realized that he was moving! We also talked about what an inch means on a ruler and why this activity is call the “Inchworm.” He loved watching a real inchworm in this video!
Just stop everything and try it *with* your child today. It is hilarious and will provide lots of exercise and laughs for you both :)
This idea is from our Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks, which has many ideas, answers, and cards, to help support you in helping your child positively use their energy and meet their sensory needs!
This post is a part of a wonderful series of activities for developing gross motor skills hosted by Still Playing School. Each day there will be a new activity and a new resource, so make sure to check in!
In addition to 26 active play gross motor ideas, we will also be offering our readers a chance to win a Parachute Play Pack worth from our series’ sponsor Discount School Supply! Enter to win below!
Also check out our tools for helping a hyperactive child.
Seriously, how adorable is he?! We will definitely be trying this today…ALL of us, just as you suggested! :)
Yes, he was is so happy doing this activity!! Haha, I’d love to see a picture, Devany!!