Locomotor and Non-Locomotor Movments for Primary Grades

Locomotor Movements are the basic movements that create the ability to move in more complex ways.  Learning these skills is very important in the development for further success in physical activities and sports.

The following are the basic movements we are learning in P.E. in Child Development classes, Kindergarten classes, and in some cases in 1st and 2nd grades.

Hop  - Take off on one foot, land on one foot.
Jump - Take off on two feet, land on two feet.
Skip - Step and hop with one foot, then step and hop with the other foot. (The lead foot changes each time)

Gallop - Step with forward foot, drag back foot to the heel of the forward foot. (The lead foot stays the same.)

Try this activity at home to help your child learn the basic movements. Place a circular piece of paper (Mr. Spot) on the floor or other surface. Have your child practice the different locomotor movements around Mr. Spot. For non-locomotor movements, have your child practice these while standing beside, behind, or in front of Mr. Spot.

Another activity would be to draw a board on your driveway using chalk (similar to the one in the picture) and have them practice locomotor movements on the board. You can write the names of the movements in the squares, or numbers, or a combination of the two. This would also help them with math and language arts concepts.

Non-locomotor Movements are when the body moves in various ways, but the feet are stationary. Examples: Bending, Stretching, Twisting, Swaying