Why Movement Matters: Helping kids learn to Crawl, Jump, Skip, and Run

When people think of fitness for kids, they often picture sports teams or running laps for PE class. But for many children, especially those with disabilities, fitness starts with something much simpler: learning how to move. At Specialty Athletic Training, we focus on the basics. Before a child can play tag or shoot a basketball, they need to be able to crawl, jump, skip, and run. These movements are more than just play; they're critical for a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. 

Gross motor skills are the foundation of movement. They're what allow a child to balance, explore their environment, and eventually participate in play with others. These early movements build strength, coordination, and confidence; setting the stage for lifelong independence. But not every child picks up these skills on their own. Some need to be taught. All of them need opportunity. 

why gross motor skills matter

Gross motor skills are large movements - like crawling, jumping, skipping and running - that form the foundation for nearly everything else a child will do physcially. These skills impact not only how they move, but also how they learn communicate and interact with the world around them.

Let's break a few of them down:

Crawling

Crawling builds core strength, stability, and coordination between the right and left sides of the body. It's the foundation for balance, posture, and future movement patterns. When a child skips crawling, they're missing more than mobility. They're missing an essential developmental experience.

jumping: power + control

Jumping teaches kids how to generate force and control their landing. It helps with joint development, spatial awareness, and confidence. It's one of those movements that makes a kid feel strong. And that matters!

skipping: The most underrated skill in childhood development

You want to test a child's coordination, rhythm, and timing? Have them skip. Skipping requires bilateral coordination, timing, and balance. It's a skill that often gets overlooked, but it's a huge indicator of neuromuscular development. 

If a child struggles to skip, that might be a sign they need support in developing foundational movement patterns. And when they learn to skip? You can see the pride all over their face!

running: freedom in motion

Running is the ultimate expression of movement freedom. Whether chasing a friend, running bases, or just doing laps for fun, it builds cardiovascular endurance and confidence. For kids with disabilities, learning to run safely and efficiently can be life-changing. 

movement has to be taught

The truth? Not every child develops these skills naturally. Some need structure. Some need repetition. All of them need support.

So whether your child is just getting started or catching up, remember: movement is a skill. And like any skill, it grows with coaching, consistency, and care.