Building Gross Motor Skills Through Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we recognize that gross motor skills are essential for every child’s development. From crawling and walking to climbing and jumping, these foundational movements support not only physical strength but also confidence, coordination, and independence. In occupational therapy (OT), we focus on building these skills in fun, safe, and structured ways.

Why Gross Motor Skills Matter

Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups that help with:

• Balance and coordination

• Core strength and posture

• Movement planning (motor planning)

• Endurance and stamina

Children with developmental delays, autism, or sensory processing challenges may struggle with climbing stairs, jumping, or even running in a coordinated way. OT helps bridge these gaps.

Climbing: A Powerful Gross Motor Activity

In the image above, a young child is learning to climb a ladder. This simple activity works on:

• Core and leg strength

• Grasping and upper body coordination

• Visual-motor integration (looking while moving)

• Confidence in body movement

At OrbRom, we include safe climbing structures and mats to allow children to challenge themselves while being supported by a therapist.

How Occupational Therapy Builds Gross Motor Skills

Here are some ways our team supports children’s gross motor development:

• Obstacle courses that challenge balance, crawling, and jumping

• Swinging, climbing, and hanging to develop upper body strength

• Movement games like animal walks, ball throwing, and scooter board races

• Core-building exercises using therapy balls and tunnels

Each activity is tailored to the child’s developmental level and sensory needs.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

We understand that gross motor tasks can feel overwhelming for some children. That’s why our therapists:

• Provide verbal and visual cues

• Offer gradual exposure to movement challenges

• Use sensory integration techniques to improve body awareness

• Encourage parent participation and carryover at home

When children are supported properly, their confidence soars—making movement fun instead of frustrating.

The Impact

Strengthening gross motor skills through OT leads to:

• Better coordination and balance

• Improved classroom posture and sitting tolerance

• Easier participation in sports and group activities

• Greater independence in everyday tasks

At OrbRom Center, we’re proud to help children in Phnom Penh move confidently through every stage of their development.