Locomotor

These skills allow students to move through different environments, moving their bodies from one location to another.

Four kids running outside

How Does it Impact School Function

  • Helping them build confidence and develop a sense of freedom
  • Develops body awareness
  • Improves balance and coordination of the larger limbs
  • Helps the body and eyes work together
  • Improves cardiovascular fitness.
  • Allows them to play on playground equipment
  • Walk in line
  • Navigate the school environment safely/appropriately
  • Assists our bodies
  • Builds strengths in child's muscles
    • With practice, it improves muscle memory to help the student move more proficiently

Examples

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Jumping
  • Hopping
  • Skipping
  • Galloping
  • Sliding
  • Leaping
  • Propelling wheelchair
  • Crawling

Strategies

  • Hopscotch
    • Using different transitions down the hall- ie: hop, gallop, jump, sideways walk, tiptoe etc
    • Sensory paths
  • Extra playground time
    • Gross motor brain breaks (i.e. Go Noodle)
      • Transition times between centers
        • Do motor movements within the classroom between reading centers
        • Do coordination exercises such as jumping jacks or cross laterals to engage both sides of the brain before sitting down for listening or a test