06 Dec 2023 
When it comes to giving a toy we have a lot of questions: Will it be beneficial to my kids? Will it promote positive values? Will it improve their learning and developmental ability?
Depending on their age some toys are more adapted to their growth. The skills that a toy can teach are infinite and valuable, so read on to find guidance on which games contribute to the psychomotor skills of our little ones.
Here are some of the best toys physical therapists recommend to help your child develop their gross motor skills while having fun! These recommendations are not intended to endorse a specific product. Toy recommendations are intended only to inspire parents to get creative with holiday toy purchases- please use caution and only buy toys that are both safe and appropriate for your child. This blog contains affiliate links and TES will receive a commission.
There are 2 types of psychomotor skills in children: fine and gross.
Fine motor skills refer to actions that involve small muscle groups in the face, hands, and feet, specifically, the palms, eyes, fingers, and muscles that surround the mouth. It is the coordination between what the eye sees and what the hands touch. These muscles are the ones that enable: hand-eye coordination, opening, closing, and moving the eyes, moving the tongue, smiling, blowing, knotting the laces, grasping an object, dexterity, cutting out a figure, etc..
Gross motor skills are those related to all actions that involve large muscle groups, in general, it refers to movements of large parts of the child’s body or the entire body such as legs, arms, head, abdomen, and back. This type of psychomotricity is a fundamental part of developing the cognitive area and language. Integrating the child in his environment through play, movement, exploration, and discovery of his own body also depends on this type of psychomotor skills.
Here is a collection of fine and gross motor toys for kids that are easy to set up, have excellent playability, and promote and develop a wide range of skills:
Magnet Toys provide open-ended play opportunities for children 3 years of age and older to create, build, and use their fine motor skills. Caregivers can ask questions/engage in conversation about the many different shapes, colors, sizes, and magnetic properties of the toys. Magnet toys allow kids to play together, take turns, and problem-solve. Occupational Therapists, Teachers, and Speech-Language Pathologists agree – these toys can provide hours of fun and creativity while building essential developmental and social-emotional skills. Buy it here
Crocodile Hop Floor Game – this exciting twist on a traditional game of hopscotch incorporates color and shape recognition, numbers and counting, and problem-solving, all while getting kids up, moving, and working on their gross motor skills. This game incorporates balance, lower extremity strengthening, and coordination. This game can be played individually or with a group of children. Buy it here
Fishing Game – 4 games in 1 to help your little one develop hand-eye coordination to stack, sort, lace, and catch the magnetic fish with the magnetic fishing pole. This game provides multiple opportunities to discuss math concepts such as “greater than less than” or “how many” for older kids while also being appropriate for younger children learning to count and identify colors. Children will also learn how to develop patience and coordinate their visual skills with their ability to control their hand movements to “catch” a fish. Buy it here
“My First Flybar” is a fun gross motor toy that provides auditory feedback each time the child jumps up and down and is a precursor activity to a more advanced pogo stick. The Flybar provides children of all ages (and adults) an opportunity to build endurance, strength, balance, and coordination. Children can compete against themselves or others to jump as many times or as long as possible before stepping off the flybar. This gross motor activity is a great way for kids to tire themselves out after a long day of jumping. Buy it here
4 in 1 Sports Activity Center: A basketball hoop, soccer goal, and ring toss game all in one allows toddlers and preschoolers to have access to learn a variety of sports skills. Soccer incorporates single-limb stance and coordination while basketball and ring toss work on hand-eye coordination. The benefit of this activity center is that it allows for various activities to help keep toddlers interested for longer periods vs. a single sports activity. Buy it here
Toys are examples of how your child can have fun while coordinating their movements, developing their muscle tone, classifying, and planning. Visit our other gift guides to generate more ideas for occupational therapist-approved toys.
For more information on fine and gross motor skills development and to schedule a consultation with our OT experts, please contact us at 888-4TES-KIDS or visit our pediatric occupational therapy page!
Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy family time, and celebrate what matters most. From expressing gratitude to creating holiday crafts to enjoying cozy indoor activities, we’ve put together a list here of ideas to make this Thanksgiving fun and meaningful for all ages! Starting New Traditions Taking time to reflect on […]
When planning for emergencies, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with special needs—whether children or adults—may require extra attention and preparation. Emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, or evacuations can be especially challenging for families and caregivers. Having a well-thought-out emergency preparedness plan can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover essential […]
Halloween is a time of excitement for many children, filled with costumes, candy, and fun activities. However, for children on the autism spectrum, Halloween can sometimes be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities and unexpected changes in routine. With some planning and awareness, you can ensure your child has a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free Halloween. Understanding […]
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for parents, especially when it comes to understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. This guide will help you understand what an IEP is, how it is developed, and how you, as a parent, can play a vital role in ensuring your child receives the support they […]
Celebrating NICU Awareness Month September is NICU Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor families and health professionals who are part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or sick newborns are cared for. Many of the babies we see for services had a NICU stay. […]
Balance is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in a child’s physical development. It’s not just about standing on one foot or walking in a straight line; balance is integral to almost every physical activity, from running and jumping to sitting and standing. Developing strong balance skills early on can enhance your child’s […]
Total Education Solutions’ ABA Therapy Program Receives BHCOE Accreditation in California and Michigan, Adding to Existing Ohio Accreditation South Pasadena – July 24, 2024 – Total Education Solutions (TES Therapy), a leading provider of therapeutic and educational services, proudly announces that its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs in California and Michigan have received full two-year […]
As the laidback days of summer give way to the structured rhythm of school bells, parents everywhere are gearing up for the excitement and challenges of a new academic year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time parent of a school-aged child, navigating the academic calendar’s complexities can be exciting and daunting. Fear not, […]
Summer heatwaves can be a challenging time for everyone, but they can be particularly distressing for autistic children who often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. Understanding and learning how to manage these sensitivities can significantly impact your child’s comfort and well-being during extreme temperatures. Sensory Overload in the Heat ☀️ For many autistic children, the sensation […]
For many of us, Independence Day is a holiday we look forward to. We take a long weekend filled with parties, cookouts, and, of course, fireworks! The smell of the grill, the sight of large crowds gathered together, and the thrilling lights and sounds of the fireworks shows spectacular finish are just some reasons we […]
Avoiding screen time completely can be very challenging, if not impossible, in the world we live in. In fact, the appropriate amount of screen time for babies, toddlers, and young children is a topic of ongoing research and discussion among many experts. Why Does It Matter? It’s important to note that not all screen time […]
Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, has gained significant popularity among adults in recent years. However, its benefits are not limited to grown-ups. Yoga offers a myriad of advantages for children, regardless of their age. From enhancing physical health to improving emotional well-being, yoga can play a crucial role […]
