Toddlers Learn When They Move

Toddlers learn to develop what education researchers call “gross motor skills” when they exercise large muscles in their arms, legs and trunk. Studies show that learning how to control and coordinate large muscle movements helps children improve attention and memory skills, ultimately helping them perform better in school.

“To learn to control and coordinate the large muscles in his arms and legs, your child needs to throw and catch balls, run, jump, climb and dance to music,” recommends the U.S. Department of Education. When you exercise at home, let your toddler perform simple exercises with you. If there’s no space to run or climb, your child can jump, hop and dance to music.