Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Gross Motor Development
SET YOUR CHILD UP FOR SUCCESS
7/1/20262 min read
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Summer is finally here! The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it's the perfect excuse to head outside and play. Between vacations, trips to the park, and backyard fun, there's so much opportunity for kids to stay active.
Not only are they busy having fun and using their energy, but they're also building important gross motor skills—like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing.
These big movements (gross motor) help kids grow stronger and more coordinated; they also support focus, self-control, and other executive functioning skills.
Variety of Activities to Encourage Movement
During the summer, children have access to a ton of fun activities that encourage gross motor skills. From running on the grass as fast as they can, to climbing trees, swimming, riding bikes, or even just playing tag at the park—each of these activities promotes coordination, balance, and strength and much more!.
Engaging a variety of physical activities is essential for making these skills second nature and prepares kids for more structured physical education and activities once school resumes.
Some parents might consider enrolling their children in summer camps or sports activities. These not only facilitate improved motor skills but also encourage teamwork and social skills—the foundation for fulfilling interpersonal relationships in a school setting.
Linking Physical Play to Executive Functioning
How does all this play connect to executive functioning?
Well, activities that involve planning, decision-making, and problem-solving enhance cognitive skills. Like when kids strategize their movements in a game of hopscotch. These experiences help children understand their physical capabilities, which is directly linked to their performance in academics, organization and paying attention once they return to school.
Moreover, regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive effect on concentration and memory, both critical components of executive functioning in the classroom. When kids engage in gross motor play, they can foster their ability to focus and manage their emotions, aiding them significantly in their learning environment.
Movement is a game-changer, in and out of the classroom!
A Summer of Growth
Now you see how summer isn’t just a time for relaxation and leisure; it’s a golden opportunity to support our children's gross motor development, reaping benefits that extend into their academic lives.
So this summer, let’s encourage our kids to get outside, run, jump, and play! The skills they gain from these enjoyable activities will not only serve to keep them active but will also ensure they’re mentally prepared for the adventures that await when the school bell rings again.