At Evergreen Explorers Preschool, we believe big movements lead to big learning. Gross motor skills—those larger movements that involve arms, legs, and the entire body—are essential for a child’s development. But did you know they're also linked to focus, confidence, and even classroom success?

In this post, we’ll break down what gross motor skills are, why they matter, and how we support them every day at our in-home preschool in Olympia, WA.

🌟 What Are Gross Motor Skills?

Gross motor skills are the big muscle movements that help children:

Run, jump, climb, and skip
Balance and coordinate their bodies
Throw, catch, and kick balls
Ride bikes or scooters
Dance and move to music

These skills are the foundation for more complex movements—and even academic readiness. When kids can control their bodies, they feel more confident and better prepared for tasks like sitting in circle time, holding a pencil, or transitioning between activities.

🧠 The Brain–Body Connection

Research shows that gross motor development is closely tied to brain development. According to a study published in the Journal of Motor Behavior, physical movement stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for learning, attention, and memory. That means activities like climbing or dancing aren't just fun—they're critical to learning!

🛝 How We Support Gross Motor Growth at Evergreen Explorers

Here at Evergreen Explorers, we believe movement is just as important as letters and numbers. That’s why we integrate gross motor play into our daily rhythm, both indoors and outside:

🏕️ Outdoor Play (Rain or Shine!)

Our large fenced yard and nature-based philosophy mean kids climb, balance, dig, and build every day—boosting coordination and core strength.

🎶 Movement-Based Circle Time

From yoga stretches to action songs and freeze dance, we get our wiggles out with intention.

🪵 Nature Walks & Loose Parts

Using tree stumps, ramps, and logs, children engage in open-ended gross motor exploration while building spatial awareness.

💡 Easy Ways to Boost Gross Motor Skills at Home

Want to support your child’s physical development at home? Try:

Setting up an indoor obstacle course with pillows & tape
Taking nature walks together and letting your child lead
Playing catch or kicking a ball in the yard
Dancing around the living room
Using scooters, balance bikes, or jump ropes

💬 Final Thoughts

At Evergreen Explorers, gross motor skill development isn’t a side activity—it’s central to how we help children grow into strong, capable, and confident learners. Through purposeful play, outdoor adventures, and movement-rich routines, we create space for kids to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.

Ready to explore with us this summer? 🌞 Contact us today to learn more about our summer program or schedule a tour!

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🏃‍♀️Why Gross Motor Skills Matter in Preschool: Building Strong Bodies & Confident Kids