If you are looking for some new ideas to challenge children's gross motor skills try one of these simple games for young children!
As the year draws to a close children tend to display many of the same emotions and behaviours as adults do at this time of the year.....grumpiness, tiredness, argumentative and just plain over it! My go to strategy for end of year angst when working with young children is to get them active and get those gross motor muscles moving...while making it fun!
Adding some simple games for young children into your program any time of the year is always a great idea so there is no need to limit the activity ideas in this collection to the end of the year! Gross motor games can offer many learning outcomes including teamwork, problem solving, counting skills, colour recognition while also strengthening coordination and balance.
I've included ideas from around the web that you can play indoors or outdoors so make sure to click on the text links under each image to learn more about the activity and how to play!
This coloured ball running game is fun for all ages! Easy to modify for younger children and older just by hiding the balls in easier or harder places outdoors or indoors. Encourages sorting, colour recognition, counting, teamwork, communication and large muscle play!
This 'spaghetti & meatballs' game is one of my favourites to play with younger toddlers - it not only makes everyone laugh it also challenges both fine and gross motor skills as well problem solving! See how to setup here.
Christmas Themed Games
If you want to add a Christmas spin to your games then you'll love these fun Christmas themed games - perfect for those first few weeks of school holidays.
Have you found a few simple games for young children to try out this holiday period? I hope they help you to turn any end of year grumpy frowns and tantrums into smiles and laughs!
Why not join our Empowered Educator Community on Facebook for more activity ideas and inspiration from other early childhood educators from around the world!
A Little About Me
Jodie Clarke is an early childhood professional supporting educators who want and need to stay passionate about the work they do! She has 30 years hands-on experience in the early childhood and human services sectors across many different roles.
Jodie is mum to 3 in Australia and has already helped thousands of educators with their work through her popular blog posts, activity ideas, online training and e-books.
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