Activity 1
Age Appropriate Gross Motor Development
Gallops With One Foot Leading

I am just beginning to learn how to gallop! Galloping is similar to skipping but easier. In a gallop, the forward foot always remains in front and the back foot comes up to meet but never passes the front foot (unlike skipping). The body weight is usually on the front foot except when the back foot meets the heel of the front foot. The speed/momentum used is like that used in skipping. Demonstrate galloping to me and observe if I am able to imitate the movement. I will only be able to gallop with either my left or right foot leading. I am not yet able to gallop on both sides yet. My movements in galloping are also not expected to be very smooth and coordinated at this stage. The emerging skill of galloping with only one foot leading is usually developed between 42 and 60 months (3 year 6 months and 5 years).

• Demonstrate galloping to your child and observe if he is able to imitate the movement.
• He should only be able to gallop with one particular side leading only (i.e. either left or right foot in front only).
• His movements in galloping are also not expected to be very smooth and coordinated at this stage.

Feedback
Your child is developing well in his body coordination in galloping. Galloping requires your child to be able to coordinate both sides of his body very well! As his ability improves, his movements will be smoother, he will be able to go further and he will also learn to gallop with either side of his body leading! You may look at the suggested activities for more ideas with this task.

Activity 2
Age Appropriate Fine Motor Development
Threads Small Beads According To A Simple Sequence After Demonstration

I am learning to thread small beads according to a simple sequence after demonstration! Sit with me at the table with half-inch beads of 3 different colors (e.g. red, blue and yellow) and of 2 different shapes (e.g. square and round shapes). Thread eight of the beads in any sequence for me to copy, using at least one of each color and both shapes. Observe if I am able to copy and string the sequence of beads according to your pattern. I usually develop this ability when I am between 36 and 48 months old. (3 year and 4 years).

• Sit with your child at the table with half-inch beads of 3 different colors (e.g. red, blue and yellow) and of 2 different shapes (e.g. square and round shapes).
• Thread eight of the beads in any sequence for your child to copy, using at least one of each color and both shapes.
• Observe if your child is able to copy and string the sequence of beads according to your pattern.

Feedback
Your child is developing good visual sequencing and coordination between his visual and motor systems for this activity. His thinking and problem solving skills are also getting better. You may look at the suggested activities for more ideas with this task.