Stellar Catepillar has been speaking to quite a few groups of moms and babies recently. Often, there are some toddlers in the group with curious moms who want to know what I recommend for their motor skill development. Below is a list of toys/activities to cultivate skilled movement after baby is walking.
ACTIVITIES FOR GROSS MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
- playing ball (rolling, throwing, or kicking the ball)
- push toys/pull toys
- climbing stairs
- swimming
- dancing
- outings to the park for climbing, running, swinging, sliding, and sand box play
- bouncing and jumping on the trampoline
- songs with movements (“I’m a Little Teapot,” or “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around”)
- ride on toys such as a toddler tricycle or wagon
- hopping, marching, and galloping
- log rolling (the child lays on the floor and rolls several times in one direction)
ACTIVITIES FOR FINE MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
- bead maze (also great for the eyes and learning shapes or colors)
- play doh (homemade if possible)
- coloring (on an easel is great because it holds the paper in place)
- stringing buttons on string
- pail and shovel
- jack-in-the-box
- blocks
- building sand castles