Chapter 10: Large-Motor Center

What is a Large-Motor Center?

It is an area/a space in a preschool classroom that contain

equipment and materials to promote the development of
many physical skills.
What are Large-Motor Activities in the Early Childhood
Classroom?

Running

Jumping

Climbing

These are large motor skills closely associated

with children and are the essence of early
childhood that most people readily agree.
 Striding Gliding Galloping
Are locomotor skills that young children seem to accomplish almost without effort.
 Whirling Twirling Bending

Are whole body movements that preschoolers perform with verve and vigor.
walking,
leaping,
dancing,
moving,
hopping,
crawling,
balancing,
stretching,
throwing,
catching

are the other

examples of
large-motor
activities in
the early
childhood
classroom.
Sedentary Society
- Our society today is becoming sedentary,
watching TV, playing video games, using
cellphones, sitting at a computer and spending
more hours in many other activities that require
little movement.

- Young children reflect the attitudes and practices

they have observed and experience in their
environment. And failing to exercise enough creates
health problems as children mature, including
obesity.

- Thus, today the preschool program is being called

upon to guarantee young children their right of
growing up with strong and healthy bodies.
What is the importance of Large-Motor Center?

It is a crucial component of a Self-Directed Learning Environment in an Early

Childhood Classroom. It must be set up to appeal children’s own interests in motor
skills.
It should include child-initiated activities to enhance development of certain
large-motor skills. The center should also be available for children’s daily
use, as the other classroom learning centers are.
 Importance of Large-Motor Skills

These skills are the foundation for much of the rest of the child’s development.
Parents and teachers want the foundation to be a strong one. Competency in
movement is important for children now and in the future because the ability to
move affects children socially, emotionally, and physically.
 Setting Up the Large-Motor Center
Indoor Multiple-use Swing Collapsible Play Tunnel

The Large-Motor Center of the preschool classroom should contain

equipment and materials to promote the development of many physical
skills. Flexible Equipment is best.
• Multiuse Climber * Snap-together/Push-together materials
Indoor Multiple-use swing * A Junior Gym
 Physical Skills Stations
The Large-Motor Center is filled with a variety of activities at particular “Stations” within the center or
scattered throughout the room if necessary.

1. Classroom Walking

Walking Rink Animal Walking Skating and Skiing Inclusion

Station
 2. Classroom Running
• Running Pad and Ring Station • Galloping