The Importance of Locomotor Skills

Locomotor skills include walking, running, skipping, hopping, galloping, leaping, jumping, and sliding and they are the foundation of the human movement. Generally, children are ready to practice walking at around 12 months, they can start running/hopping/jumping at 24 months, and galloping/sliding/skipping at 36 months. It’s very important the you practice locomotor skills with your child because it helps with coordination.

Play is a great way to practice these critical skills. Here are a few tips on what to look for and how to reinforce the proper development of locomotor skill:

Walking: look for smooth, straight steps with arms swinging gently in opposition of feet.

Galloping: one-foot leading and the other foot following behind.

Jumping: feet should be close together, pushing off with both feet and landing on toes. This is a good time to try jumping rope.

Hopping: with one foot on the ground, push with the toes. Landing should be fairly quiet.

Side-sliding: move sideways with one foot leading (a sideways gallop).

Leaping: go over an object leading with one foot and land on two feet.

Skipping: march with knees high; each time the knee is in the air, hop on the other foot - step/hop, step/hop, step/hop

Most children can master these activities with some simple instruction or by following the older siblings.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, please contact your pediatrician.

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