Gross MotorToddlers45 Comments
I’m almost embarrassed to post this gross motor activity…. it seems too simple to warrant a post. But with that said, it was super duper fun and had George moving all morning long! And its perfect for those days you’re stuck indoors, when its cold or rainy. (Hey, its Iowa here and spring has taken a long time to really show itself!)
You have everything it takes to do this activity, I promise.
What can couch cushions become? We’ve done a few things in the past, and forts are always made with the couch cushions.
This time… we got moving!
Gather all the pillows and cushions you have. The more the merrier!
Then line them all up in a row.
And that’s it.
Now… I had George try to get from one end of the pillows to the other. It seemed so simple and a funny thing for me to ask him to do.
But it proved to be a huge challenge!
Up the game by spreading the pillows apart and make it about jumping from island to island!
I admit… It was a little tough to just let go and let him try to do it and not worry about him getting hurt. I guess if you’re worried about that, put down more cushions and pillows! George is pretty tough and doesn’t usually get bothered when he falls down and gets completely bumped up!
Oh… A gross motor activity so funny and fun to do!
Below are Louis and George doing the activity again!
This was completely a last-minute, unplanned activity. George wanted something to do, I was trying to work, and Louis was supposed to be taking a nap.
I was reminded of this activity as I worked on revamping the Weekly Activity Plans.
This time, the kids got really into it and tried different ways to walk across the pillows and cushions.
At first, it wasn’t even walking, they were hopping from pillow to pillow.
Then they ran and walked across them.
And then they crawled. And by crawled, I mean they were down on all fours, but still hopping, like little bunnies.
And then I challenged them.
Can you do it backwards now?
And they did.
But not just walking. They had to try hopping backwards. Why??? I don’t know… They like to make things tougher than it has to be. But that’s awesome for gross motor skills and coordination, so I’m not complaining!
Pin this idea to your ‘things to do with the kids’ board on Pinterest!
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Christina says
Totally a fun activity for a cold, cold day. My 3 year old son would jump on all the cushions down the hall and back again, sit down to play with his toys then get up two minutes later to jump more. He started to rearrange the cushions on his own. Thanks for an energetic activity!
Karen W says
Isn’t it amazing how the simplest things will give children a chance to have so much fun. And they are developing skills.
Thanks for stopping by and linking up on Littles Learning Link Up. I hope you can stop by again this week. The linky will be up later this morning (though it may be a little later than normal).
Sara says
Great idea! Thanks for linking up to Good Tips Tuesday! We’re featuring this in the next link-up.
Helen Neale says
Thanks so much for sharing with the parenting pin it party. This looks like a fun activity. Cheers, Helen
Tina says
Such a simple idea, but I can imagine my kids definitely loving this! I love how your kids created a path of pillows all over the house… I might even join in if that were in our house! :D Thanks for sharing this on Toddler Fun Friday!
Indira Satnoor says
It is nice activity for gross motor skill development. children enjoy this funny play and they will not have fear of falling and getting hurt………. Jamie thank you for sharing this with all facilitators. I am going to have with this activity for my kids
Susan says
What a fun and developmentally appropriate activity (and did I say fun?!) It makes me want to drag out the cushions and pillows and get my teens to crawl and jump on the pillows with me. Thanks for sharing at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party on Organized 31.
Let kids be kids says
A great fun indoor activity children love.
Nikki says
Hey… We’ve been doing this for a few months now. My son is now 2.7yrs.
Wat I do is alternate cushions of different shapes with foam puzzle mats (d big size ones). Then we sound d whistle, catch a football/basketball between our feet and imitate an animal while crossing it – kangaroo, bunny, frog, duck. At d end is a treat (fruit, biscuits, anything) pick it up and run back to d first cushion.
Like an obstacle race. Sometimes I use d alphabet mats between d cushions, so there is fun in jumping up and down, learning to balance with or without the ball.
I think I m going to keep this as pet game for the upcoming birthdays.
Sheila @ BrainPowerBoy says
I love that you posted this. Simple is often best :) and think of all the fun kids are going to be having because someone found your post. Love it!
Jamie Reimer says
Sheila – I challenged my readers last week with 3 activities and many chose to do this one — I LOVED seeing all the kids walking on pillows!
TheBoyandMe says
What a wonderful idea, I remember doing this when I was a child!
Thanks for linking up to Tuesday Tutorials.
[email protected] says
Such a cutie! He doesn’t seem to be bothered by the fall in the last picture – he seems to be having fun. Great idea – I like the idea of jumping from island to island – maybe for kids that are a little older.
Jamie Reimer says
It definitely was fun when he fell – it made him sillier :)
hannah sommerville says
I remember doing this as a kid! yes it’s a simple idea but it’s lots of fun and I don’t think my kids have ever walked on pillows. Thanks for the reminder. We’ll give it a go!
Jamie Reimer says
Hope your kids get to try it soon Hannah!
Sara says
why be embarrassed? the best time with your kids are when you get to be kids also! if they see you having fun, they will be more excited to do it! i’m jealous I didn’t think of this! i’m ready for naptime to be over so we can pillow hop!
Holly McCormick says
We just did this & let the kids bounce on the inside part of the couch, they kept calling in there bouncy house, i was embarassed also to tell anyone we did it as well