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Spring Has Sprung
Monday, March 01, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
March is here. I'm delighted to flip the page of the calendar from February. Where are you? I'm in Cleveland. Ohio, that is. It's been a cold, grey, snowy (did I mention COLD?) winter. I'm done with it and delighted that spring is literally right around the corner (officially March 20th). It's not that I'm afraid to bundle up and brave the cold. I'm just done with it.
There's only so many days to take a toddlin' tot to the mall to walk off their wiggles. I don't want to sanitize her (again) from head to toe after exploring the indoor kid park at our local fast food joint. I want to get outside. I want to run. I want to play. It's time. Are you in?
Spring is good for the mind, body and soul. It's good for our kids too. There's definitely something to the fresh air, blue skies and - most of all - the opportunity to engage in large (gross) motor activities.
Like all skill development, gross motor development takes time and opportunities to practice and refine skill. These skills include pulling up (on furniture, tables, etc.), first steps, hopping and finally advanced skills like skipping and pedaling a tricycle. The outdoors is a wonderful place to practice and refine these skills. It can also be a ton of fun, both for you and your child.
Are you ready? As you head out, consider taking along some of these simple toys that will help your infant or toddler engage in, and extend, gross motor play:
*Balls. Think BIG, little, textured, etc. Balls are some of the best toys ever invented. Roll, toss, bounce, chase, kick...you name it, it's good for your munchkin and fun too. Use a laundry basket in lieu of a traditional basketball hoop. Toddlers will love the opportunity to toss balls in, then dump them out and do it all over again.
*Bubbles. Infants are mezmerized. Toddlers giggle with joy. Encourage your child to reach for them, to chase them, to pop them. Next up, they will work on blowing their own.
*Toys for pushing or pulling. One of the favorites in our household is the bubble blowing kid mower. Just her size, as a toddler, she moved up and down the driveway pushing and pushing and pushing. Then, she would squeal with delight as bubbles flew into the air.
*Gross motor equipment (i.e small climber, slide, etc.). I refuse to buy anything for our yard as there are four different parks within walking distance of our house. However, if you are not so fortunate, think about a piece or two of play equipment that will encourage your child to climb over, under and/or through. As this type of equipment is often not inexpensive, think about equipment that will evolve and provide new opportunities for play for your child (i.e. a simple slide may become a fun tent when covered with a sheet - this could be used during dramatic play as your child develops into a preschooler).
It's March. Gather up the stuff and head outside. See you there!
