Gross motor resources are essential tools for helping kids build strength, balance, coordination, and confidence through movement. But did you know these resources can be used in so many more ways than originally intended?
At Pink Oatmeal, our gross motor and fine motor resources are designed to be fun, effective, and—most importantly—flexible. Whether you’re a pediatric therapist, teacher, or parent, you’ll love these creative ways to use your materials in fresh, purposeful ways.
Here are 10 fun and functional ideas for thinking outside the box with your gross motor resources!
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Gross Motor Resources
1. Bury Movement Cards in a Sensory Bin
Combine sensory play with gross motor skills by hiding yoga or movement cards in a bin filled with rice, beans, or sand. Kids dig them out and perform the movements—perfect for balance, core strength, and tactile input.
2. Side-Step Search with Movement Cards
Tape different animal movement cards to a long surface like a counter or hallway wall. Kids side-step along the area to find and match the animals, which is great for lateral movement and crossing midline.
3. Add Gross Motor Printables to Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses are a kid favorite—and a great way to incorporate themed gross motor resources. Add movement or yoga cards at each station to guide activity and bring focus to each part of the course.
4. Print and Play Digital Gross Motor Games
Pink Oatmeal’s digital games aren’t just for screens—print them out to use as hands-on gross motor activities. Use them in therapy sessions, classroom stations, or movement breaks.
5. Create a Movement-Themed Bulletin Board or Door
Use visuals and cards from your Pink Oatmeal collection to build a functional bulletin board or decorate a classroom door. This makes your gross motor resources visible and accessible throughout the day.
6. Make DIY Movement Dice
Stick different movement prompts onto foam dice for a DIY gross motor game. Kids roll the dice and perform the movement—great for groups, transitions, or warm-ups.
7. Set Up a Gross Motor Scavenger Hunt
Hide movement cards around the room or outside. Kids find them and complete each action, engaging their whole body while practicing spatial awareness and motor planning.
8. Color and Move with Vertical Surfaces
Use coloring or tracing printables on vertical surfaces like walls or easels to target fine and gross motor control together. This builds strength in shoulders, core, and upper limbs.
9. Create Rotating Motor Stations
Set up a series of simple stations using gross motor resources. Kids can move through each one at their own pace, building strength, coordination, and confidence along the way.
10. Use Gross Motor Resources for Brain Breaks
Short on time? Pull out a quick card set from your gross motor library to use as a brain break or transition activity. It’s a fast, effective way to reset focus while moving their bodies.
Endless Options with the Pink Oatmeal All-Access Pass
Here’s the best part: with the Pink Oatmeal All-Access Pass, you have unlimited access to all the resources you could ever need—and so much more!
There’s no limit to how you can use your materials, and with instant access to printables, digital games, visuals, and activities, you’ll always have the tools you need to support every child.
🎉 Loved by therapists, teachers, and parents around the world!
🎉 Minutes from access—no waiting, no stress!
Final Thoughts: Get Creative with Your Gross Motor Resources
The most effective tools are the ones you can use in multiple ways—and Pink Oatmeal’s gross motor resources were made with that in mind. From sensory bins to scavenger hunts to classroom doors, the possibilities are endless
💡 Which creative idea will you try first? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media—we love seeing your setups in action!