Gross Motor in Early Childhood

We wanted to speak about a non academic but equally important component of our curriculum. Physical movement and learning success are correlated, which is why Montessori programs are so attentive to childhood motor development. At Abintra, students benefit from ample opportunities to practice these skills and even receive individualized lessons. Below is a description of our goals and developmental expectations for EC students.

 

At three years of age, children are very motivated to develop their gross motor skills, which help bring awareness to the body in space. They enjoy balancing, jumping, and climbing. Self-care skills such as dressing provide additional opportunities for them to refine these skills. At age 3, most children:

• Run smoothly, making sharp turns and avoiding obstacles
• Jump forward, backward, sideways, and over a short barrier without falling
• Stand on one foot for 5 seconds

 

Four-year-olds are comfortable with gross motor activities and enjoy showing others what they can do. They are completely independent with their dressing skills. The mastery of gross motor skills enables children to focus more on fine motor development. By age 4, most children:

• Walk down stairs alternating feet without using the handrail
• Jump forward 2' with both feet together
• Pedal a tricycle while maneuvering around obstacles

 

Five-year-olds are very competent with gross motor activities and enjoy physical challenges. "I can carry this rock. It is really heavy." By age 5, most children:

• Walk downstairs carrying an object
• Walk 4' on a balance beam without stepping off.