Crawling for preschoolers: 95 exercises for gym class
You use crawling in preschool gym to build arm support, cross-body coordination and body awareness through play, starting on the floor and adding slopes, tunnels and benches. This series gives crawling activities for toddler and preschool gym. It is for teachers laying the groundwork for support skills like handstands and rolls.
95 video steps · preschool-crawling
Step 1 of 95, free: Crawling 1
The phases
- Hands and knees crawling: move forward with opposite arm and leg working together.
- Bear crawl and animal walks: crawl on hands and feet to build arm support and core strength.
- Directions and levels: crawl backward, sideways, up and down slopes and over benches.
- Through and under: crawl through tunnels, hoops and under obstacles for spatial awareness.
- Crawling games: use stories and games to add speed, reaction and cooperation.
Before you start
Suits toddlers and preschoolers from crawling age to about six; adapt height and obstacles to each child.
Common mistakes
- Obstacles too high or steep: children slip or feel unsure.
- Only one crawling form: limited coordination and strength development.
- No space between children: bumping and crowding.
- Pushing speed too early: children lose coordination.
Coaching cues
- Strong arms like a bear
- Opposite hand and knee
- Look where you go
All 95 steps
- Crawling 1
- Crawling 2
- Crawling 3
- Crawling 4
- Crawling 5
- Crawling 6
- Crawling 7
- Crawling 8
- Crawling 9
- Crawling 10
- Crawling 11
- Crawling 12
- Crawling 13
- Crawling 14
- Crawling 15
- Crawling 16
- Crawling 17
- Crawling 18
- Crawling 19
- Crawling 20
- Crawling 21
- Crawling 22
- Crawling 23
- Crawling 24
- Crawling 25
- Crawling 26
- Crawling 27
- Crawling 28
- Crawling 29
- Crawling 30
- Crawling 31
- Crawling 32
- Crawling 33
- Crawling 34
- Crawling 35
- Crawling 36
- Crawling 37
- Crawling 38
- Crawling 39
- Crawling 40
- Crawling 41
- Crawling 42
- Crawling 43
- Crawling 44
- Crawling 45
- Crawling 46
- Crawling 47
- Crawling 48
- Crawling 49
- Crawling 50
- Crawling 51
- Crawling 52
- Crawling 53
- Crawling 54
- Crawling 55
- Crawling 56
- Crawling 57
- Crawling 58
- Crawling 59
- Crawling 60
- Crawling 61
- Crawling 62
- Crawling 63
- Crawling 64
- Crawling 65
- Crawling 66
- Crawling 67
- Crawling 68
- Crawling 69
- Crawling 70
- Crawling 71
- Crawling 72
- Crawling 73
- Crawling 74
- Crawling 75
- Crawling 76
- Crawling 77
- Crawling 78
- Crawling 79
- Crawling 80
- Crawling 81
- Crawling 82
- Crawling 83
- Crawling 84
- Crawling 85
- Crawling 86
- Crawling 87
- Crawling 88
- Crawling 89
- Crawling 90
- Crawling 91
- Crawling 92
- Crawling 93
- Crawling 94
- Crawling 95
Frequently asked questions
Why is crawling useful in gymnastics?
Crawling builds arm support, shoulder stability and coordination between the left and right side. These are foundations for later skills such as handstands, cartwheels and rolls.
How do I keep crawling activities interesting?
Change the form, direction and setup often. Use animal walks, tunnels, slopes and simple stories or games. Short stations with little waiting keep young children moving and engaged.