Movement & Coordination: A Gross-Motor Home Program
Build your child’s balance, strength and coordination so that big, active play like running around the park feels easy and fun.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team · medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · Last reviewed July 2026
Big-body skills — walking, running, jumping, climbing, catching — are the base a child builds everything else on, from playground games right through to sitting still at a desk. When these movements feel wobbly or hard, children tend to hang back from the rough-and-tumble play, and that’s exactly when the gap starts to widen.
This program turns ordinary active play into gentle practice for balance, strength and coordination. It’s here to support your child’s development, not to diagnose anything or replace a professional assessment. If your child’s movement is worrying you, please speak to a paediatric occupational therapist or your doctor.
Reach up high… then touch your toes 🙆♀️
Big, fun movements build strength and coordination — make it a game.
گھر پر آج یہ کریں اردو · Urdu
بچے کے جسمانی توازن اور ہاتھ پاؤں کے تال میل کو مضبوط بنانے میں مدد دیں۔
- روزانہ کھلی جگہ پر دوڑنے اور اُچھلنے کا موقع دیں۔
- تکیوں کا ڈھیر بنا کر بچے کو اُن پر چڑھنے اور اُترنے دیں۔
- نرم گیند یا کپڑے کی گیند پھینکنے اور پکڑنے کا کھیل کھیلیں۔
- گانے پر مل کر ناچیں اور لکیر پر چل کر توازن والا کھیل کروائیں۔
Who this program is for
- Children who seem clumsy, trip often or take a lot of tumbles
- A child who steers clear of running, jumping or climbing play
- Trouble with balance — standing on one foot, walking along a line
- Difficulty catching, throwing or kicking a ball
- Movement that’s lagging behind other children the same age
Important — when to get professional help
This is a supportive home program — it isn’t a diagnosis, and it doesn’t replace a proper assessment. Please speak to a professional soon if:
- Your child is not walking on their own by around 18 months
- Persistent walking on tiptoes that does not settle
- A body that feels very floppy or very stiff to handle
- Your child loses a movement skill they clearly had before
- One side of the body is much weaker or clumsier than the other
If any of these sound familiar, a professional near you is the best next step — earlier help is always kinder and easier. You can also try our free 2-minute check.
Your step-by-step roadmap
Move at your child’s pace, not the calendar’s — the “weeks” are just a gentle order, not a race. Feel free to repeat any stage for as long as it’s helping.
Week 1 — Big movements and balance
Build steady balance and confidence moving the whole body.- Walk along a line of tape, a low kerb or a chalk line, arms out wide.
- Practise standing on one foot while you count together.
- Play “statues” — move freely, then freeze and hold still.
Try this: Turn balance into a game with counting or music and your child will practise far longer.
Week 2 — Jump, hop and land
Develop leg strength and control for jumping and landing.- Jump with two feet over a rope or a line on the floor.
- Hop like a bunny, jump like a frog and stomp like a giant.
- Jump off a low, safe step and land with bent knees.
Try this: Land like a soft, quiet cat — bending the knees teaches safe, controlled landings.
Week 3 — Climb, crawl and crash
Build core and upper-body strength through active play.- Crawl through tunnels made from chairs, blankets and cushions.
- Climb safely at the park with you close by for support.
- Build a cushion mountain to climb over, crawl under and jump onto.
Try this: Crawling on hands and knees is powerful exercise — it builds the whole upper body and core.
Week 4 — Ball skills and coordination
Practise coordinating the two sides of the body together.- Roll, then throw a large soft ball back and forth close together.
- Kick a ball towards a simple goal made of two shoes or cones.
- Try catching a slow balloon or beach ball before a smaller ball.
Try this: Start with a balloon — it floats slowly and gives your child time to get their hands ready.
Week 5 — Put it all together
Combine skills into fun, flowing movement games.- Set up a simple obstacle course to crawl, jump and balance through.
- Play chasing, hopscotch or “follow the leader” with big movements.
- Dance and copy each other’s actions to favourite songs.
Try this: An obstacle course lets your child practise every skill at once — and it just feels like play.
Little tricks that make it work
- Aim for active play every day, even just ten minutes at a time.
- Join in yourself — children move more when a grown-up plays too.
- Keep it safe: clear the space, use soft landings and stay close.
- Celebrate trying and having a go, not just getting it right.
- Take play outdoors to the park or garden whenever you can.
- Follow your child’s energy — stop before they get overtired or frustrated.
How you’ll know it’s working
- Steadier balance and fewer trips and falls
- More willingness to run, jump and climb
- Smoother catching, throwing and kicking
- More confidence joining active play with other children
Is this based on real methods? This program is guided by widely used motor milestones from bodies such as the CDC and WHO, and the well-established value of regular active daily play for building coordination.
Feeling stuck, or want this tailored to your own child? A therapist is happy to guide you.
Ask a therapist on WhatsApp
Want expert eyes on your child’s progress?
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 7 PM