Gross Motor Games: Coordination + Safety + Endurance

Infants build foundations through repetition and sensory exploration.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Soft, large floor mat

Assortment of soft balls of various sizes

Tunnel made of soft fabric

Small, soft pillows

Photo album with family pictures

Soft, lightweight scarves

Music player and calming instrumental music

Comfortable seating for caregivers and children

Learning Objectives

Infants will demonstrate increasing control of their bodies as they navigate a safe, soft environment.

Infants will engage with caregivers and other children in shared movement experiences.

Infants will explore different textures and movements, building gross motor confidence.

Infants will show recognition of familiar faces in family photos.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread the large floor mat in a clear, safe space, creating a designated "family play zone" at home.

2. Allow infants to freely explore the mat, encouraging them to roll, reach, and push up.

3. Gently introduce the soft balls, rolling them towards the infants and inviting them to reach or bat at them, imagining playing catch with a family member.

4. Place pillows on the mat to create gentle inclines, encouraging crawling or scooting over them, simulating navigating different areas of their home.

5. Set up the fabric tunnel, inviting infants to crawl through, pretending it is a passage between rooms in their house.

6. Play calming music and offer scarves for gentle waving and sensory exploration, perhaps mimicking a family member waving hello or goodbye.

7. Show infants the family photo album, pointing to pictures of loved ones and briefly naming them, connecting these familiar faces to their home.

8. Encourage caregivers to get on the mat with the infants, engaging in gentle rolling, bouncing, and mirroring movements, reinforcing the idea of family togetherness.

Educator Tip

Ensure all materials are soft, clean, and age-appropriate for infants. Supervise closely to prevent any falls or tumbles, especially when introducing the pillows and tunnel. Encourage caregivers to participate actively, as their presence and engagement are vital for the infant's feelings of security and connection to their family.

Assessment

Observe how infants engage with the various materials and movements. Note their attempts to reach, grasp, roll, crawl, and their reactions to the songs and family photos. Document their interactions with caregivers and other children, looking for signs of comfort, curiosity, and developing motor skills within their "family play zone."

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, movement responses.

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