Locomotor Skills
What to look for
Walking
*Walks while keeping one foot in contact with the ground. *Heel toe motion is evident. *Swings arms in opposition of feet. *Maintains balance. *Eyes are focused forward. Running
*Runs with flight, extends supporting leg. * Heels kick backward toward the hip. *Swings bent arms in a forward - backward motion. *Swings arms in opposition to the feet. *Maintains balance. *Eyes are focused forward. Jumping
* Takes off and lands on two feet.(toes-balls-heels) * Bends knees and body (at waist)in preparation for the jump. * Swings arms forcefully in a backward-forward motion. *Body fully extended during flight. *Lands with knees bent and feet landing in the take off position. *Eyes focused forward. |
Hopping
*Takes off on one foot and lands on the same foot (toe-ball-heel). *Holds knee behind body at a 90 degree angle. *Non weight bearing leg swings forwards and backwards. *Swings arms forward and backward for lift. *Displays rhythmical hopping (no intermittent stopping) *Maintains balance. Skipping
* Displays a step- hop pattern. * Uses both sides of the body alternately. * Swings arms in opposition to feet. *Displays a rhythmical pattern. * Eyes are focused forward. *Sole close to the ground at the hop. Galloping
*Keeps tail leg behind lead leg. *Gallops using either leg as the lead leg. *Displays rhythmical arms movement. * Turns hips, Shoulders and eyes to the direction of the movement. * Apparent clear take off. |
Sliding
* Toes are perpendicular to the direction traveling. *Slides using either leg as the lead leg. * Knees have a slight bend. * Front foot leads followed by the tail foot. * Slight jump when feet come together. Crawling
* Knees are bent an in contact with the ground. *Hands are on the floor shoulder width apart. *Moves hands and knees in opposition. *Uses both sides of the body alternately. *Eyes are focused forward. Dodging
*Moves with lateral balance. * Stands on the balls of the feet with knees slightly bent. *Eyes are focused forward. * Moves with controlled speed. |