Gobble Gobble! It’s time for Thanksgiving Gross Motor Activities! This Gross Motor Movement Poem is perfect for Preschoolers to First graders!
This is a FREE 5 Page Downloadable PDF. Click HERE to access the FREEBIE LIBRARY!
In this post, we will look at what skills are targeted with this activity. Then, you can see a video that demonstrates the Pilgrim Pilgrim Gross Motor Movement Poem. Finally, we will look at WHY gross motor development is important for fine motor skills!
FIRST, WHAT MOTOR MOVEMENTS ARE ADDRESSED IN THE THANKSGIVING GROSS MOTOR ACTIVITIES PACK?
- Following Directions- 1 step to 3 step directions
- Tall Kneeling
- Standing on Toes
- Big Arm Circles
- Running in Place
- Marching while crossing midline
- Jumping
- Bear walk
- Prepositions – For example, on, around, behind
- Balancing on one foot
- Body parts – toes, knees, hand, foot, back
- Counting – Children have to count to 2,3,4,5, and 6 as they perform movement repetitions.
Next, Let’s take a look at the Pilgrim Pilgrim Gross Motor video!
You can use the video as a guide to see how to complete the Gross Motor Movement Poem. However, it was also made, so the child can follow along WITH the video!
Prior to completing the Thanksgiving Gross Motor Activities, you will need to:
- Download the 5 PAGE FREE PILGRIM GROSS MOTOR ACTIVITIES PACK
- Read the instructional page
- Review the Poem provided in the pack!
- Print pages 1-3 on card stock and laminate. If you are doing this activity with a group of kiddos, make sure they EACH have a Turkey (page 3). If you’re doing teletherapy or want some variations, kids can use a stuffed animal as the Turkey OR have your child make a Turkey with their hand and some paint! Here’s a link to look at this simple craft! This is an added sensory and fine motor activity. WIN WIN!
- Watch the video to get an idea of how to complete the activity.
- HAVE FUN with the Thanksgiving Gross Motor Activities!
Finally, Let’s See WHY FINE and GROSS MOTOR SKILLS work together!
Working on gross motor skills help improve balance, coordination, strength, and core stability! Having a good base of support in your trunk muscles (proximal control) is important for your arms and hands (distal control), which is needed for writing, cutting, buttoning, and manipulating small objects.
In other words, gross motor activities help support fine motor skills!
PLUS, the movement patterns in the Pilgrim Pilgrim Gross Motor Movement Poem provide a movement break and prepare the body for work!
So many great skills and a ton of fun!
Here is some more information on how gross motor skills help support fine motor skills!
I get to work with some amazing pediatric physical therapists and am so very thankful their hard work helps support what I do! #teamwork
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As always, make sure children have adult supervision for safety. These activities should not take the place of medical or therapeutic intervention.
MORE FREE THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES including a total of 62 PAGES, CLICK HERE!
