Three year olds rarely walk when they can run, jump or climb. All that movement is doing important work: it is how children build gross motor skills, the big movements that use the large muscles of the arms, legs and body. Here is what that looks like at three and how you can help.
What are gross motor skills?
Gross motor skills include running, jumping, climbing, balancing, kicking, throwing and catching. They rely on strength, coordination and balance working together. Fine motor skills, like using scissors or holding a pencil, involve the small muscles of the hands, and they actually build on a strong core and steady shoulders developed through big movement.
At three, many children are becoming steadier runners, learning to jump with two feet together, climbing ladders and low play equipment, and trying to balance on one foot for a moment. Every child develops at their own pace, so think of these as things your child is working on rather than a checklist.
Why big movement matters for learning
Active play does far more than tire children out before bed. When children climb, balance and run, they are also:
- Developing body awareness, understanding where their body is in space and how to move safely around others.
- Building confidence as they try something a little bit hard and succeed.
- Practising persistence when a climb takes a few attempts.
- Learning to judge risk, such as working out whether a jump is too high.
- Strengthening the core and shoulder muscles that later help them sit at a table and use a pencil.
The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years recommend that preschoolers spend plenty of time being physically active across the day, including some energetic play. The guidelines are a helpful reference if you want to know more.
Easy ways to build gross motor skills at home
You don’t need special equipment. A backyard, a local park or even a clear space in the lounge room is enough.
- Make a balance path. Lay a skipping rope, a strip of masking tape or a line of cushions on the floor and walk along it together.
- Play animal moves. Hop like a kangaroo, waddle like a penguin, crawl like a bear or slither like a snake.
- Visit the playground. Ladders, low climbing frames and slides are perfect for three year olds. Stay close and let them try.
- Kick and throw. A soft, light ball is easier to catch. Start close together and step back as your child gets more confident.
- Build an obstacle course. Crawl under a table, step over a pillow and jump into a hoop. Let your child help design it.
- Dance it out. Put on music and try freezing when it stops, or moving fast and slow.
Supporting safe, confident risk-taking
It can be hard to watch your child wobble at the top of a climbing frame. A little bit of manageable challenge is good for children, though. It teaches them to judge their own abilities and to keep trying.
Instead of saying “be careful”, try more specific words like “Where will you put your foot next?” or “Hold on with both hands”. Stay nearby, step in if something is truly unsafe, and celebrate effort rather than just success. If you ever have questions about your child’s movement or development, your Maternal and Child Health nurse or GP is a great person to ask.
Active play at Nest
In our Pre-Kindergarten room, active play is part of every day. Our educators set up experiences that invite children to climb, balance, jump and run, and they adjust the challenge as each child grows in skill and confidence.
Children also enjoy our weekly incursions, including sports and yoga, at no extra cost. You can find out more about these on our extracurricular program page, or read about our wider curriculum.
If you would like to see where our three year olds play and explore at our Keysborough centre, book a tour or give our team a call. We would love to meet you and your little climber.
