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Motor Planning Activity – Free Printable PDF

This free Dance Party Motor Planning Activity is the perfect way to get kids to practice motor planning, body awareness, and fine motor skills! In this activity, children can cut apart the dance cards, place them on the dance party board, and follow the dance moves in sequence to improve their motor planning abilities. Every time they create a new dance sequence, they practice essential motor planning skills while having a blast!

You can download it for FREE at the bottom of the post.

What is Motor Planning?

Motor planning, also known as praxis, is the ability to conceive, plan, and execute a series of motor actions in an organized and efficient manner. It’s a critical part of a child’s development, affecting everything from gross motor skills (like running or jumping) to fine motor tasks (such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil). When a child can effectively plan their movements, they can complete tasks with fewer errors and more coordination. This skill relies heavily on sensory input from the body and the environment, allowing children use their problem solving skills to react to changing situations or new tasks with ease.

Why is Motor Planning Important?

Motor planning is a crucial skill for children because it directly affects their ability to complete everyday tasks that require both gross and fine motor coordination. Without strong motor planning skills, children may struggle with daily routines and physical activities. Here are some reasons why motor planning is essential, along with practical examples of when children use these skills:

  • Completing everyday activities: Children need motor planning to carry out routine tasks like getting dressed, tying their shoes, and using utensils at mealtime. These tasks require the ability to sequence steps and coordinate movements.
  • Gross motor coordination: Gross motor activities such as running, jumping, or playing on playground equipment involve planning and executing a series of larger movements. For example, when a child navigates an obstacle course, they must plan their movements to climb, jump, or balance. Try this motor planning activity with pool noodles.
  • Fine motor skills: Writing, cutting with scissors, or buttoning a shirt are all tasks that require precise motor planning. These tasks involve smaller muscle groups and require children to organize and control their hand movements carefully.
  • Body awareness: Motor planning helps children understand how their body moves in space, also known as proprioception. This body awareness is essential for tasks like navigating through a crowded room or sitting properly during circle time.
  • Problem-solving: When faced with a new task, such as learning a new dance move or playing a game like Simon Says, children rely on motor planning to figure out how to complete the task in a timely and efficient way.
  • Bilateral Coordination: Coordinating the right and left sides of the body or top and bottom require motor planning for activities like jumping rope and swimming.
  • Organizing sensory information: Motor planning involves integrating sensory input (e.g., sight, touch, sound) to respond appropriately to a task. For example, a child needs to process visual information when copying shapes during art class or following a sequence of steps in a physical education activity. Activities that engage multiple sensory systems may require more motor planning.

By practicing motor planning through fun, engaging activities like the Dance Party Motor Planning Activity, children develop the ability to break down complex actions into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only improves their motor control but also builds their confidence in handling both routine and unfamiliar tasks. Children who exhibit motor planning difficulties may benefit from an evaluation by a pediatric occupational therapist or a physical therapist.

Simon Says

Simon Says

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How to Assemble the Dance Party Motor Planning Activity

Setting up this fun motor planning game is simple, and it’s a great way to encourage kids to develop important skills while having fun. Here’s how to assemble your Dance Party Motor Planning Activity:

  1. Download the Dance Party Motor Planning Activity using the link at the bottom of this post.
  2. Print the dance cards and dance party board on cardstock for durability.
  3. Cut apart the dance cards along the lines. This step allows children to practice fine motor skills as they handle scissors.
  4. Place the dance cards in a pile or spread them out on a flat surface like the floor or a table.
  5. Lay out the dance party board, which will act as the guide for sequencing the dance moves.
  6. Turn on some music and get ready to dance!

How to Complete the Dance Motor Planning Activity

Once you have the Dance Party Motor Planning Activity ready, it’s time to put those motor planning skills into action! Follow these steps:

  1. Pick a dance card from the pile. You can shuffle the cards or choose them in a specific order.
  2. Place the card on the dance party board in one of the slots, planning out the sequence of your dance.
  3. Repeat the process until you’ve filled all the slots on the board with a series of dance moves.
  4. Turn on your favorite music and follow the steps of your creative dance! Children will have to remember the correct order of the moves and practice each one in sequence.
  5. Switch it up! Every time you create a new dance sequence, you are encouraging children to practice motor planning, body awareness, and coordination. The dance changes with each new sequence, providing plenty of opportunities for practicing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and even problem-solving.
Collect the Stars Sensory Motor Game

Collect the Stars Sensory Motor Game

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When is a Good Time to Use This Motor Planning Activity?

This Dance Party Motor Planning Activity can be used in a variety of settings, making it a great way to practice essential skills in many environments:

  • Occupational therapy sessions: Therapists can use this activity to help children improve motor planning, fine motor tasks, sensory processing and gross motor coordination.
  • Physical therapy sessions: This activity encourages children to practice gross motor movements in a fun and creative way, making it a perfect warm-up activity.
  • Physical education class: Use this as part of a PE lesson plan to work on gross motor skill development and body awareness.
  • Indoor recess: Keep kids moving and engaged during indoor recess with this fun motor planning game that doesn’t require a lot of space.
  • Brain breaks: This activity is an excellent way to give children a mental and physical break during the school day, helping them refocus while practicing important skill areas.

More Helpful Resources

If you’re looking for more motor planning activities and helpful information, check out these great resources:

Download Your Dance Party Motor Planning Activity for Free Here!

Click the link below to get your free Dance Party Motor Planning Activity and start practicing those motor planning skills today! This activity is not only a great way to improve your child’s motor abilities, but it’s also a fun way to engage in physical activities that promote body awareness, coordination, and creativity.

Encourage lots of practice with this engaging motor planning activity, and watch as your child gains confidence in their ability to complete tasks, improve coordination, and have fun while learning!

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