Which is identified as the most appropriate gross-motor activity for four-year-olds on the school yard?

• A. Sprinting a 100-meter dash across uneven ground.
• B. Riding tricycles on a level surface.
• C. Heavy weightlifting.
• D. Sitting quietly.

Answer: (B)

Engaging in large-motor play at this age should be safe, enjoyable, and help build coordination and confidence. Riding a tricycle on a level surface does just that: it strengthens leg movement, encourages balance and steering control, and the flat ground reduces fall risk, making it a developmentally appropriate gross-motor activity for four-year-olds on the school yard.

Sprinting a long distance on uneven ground can be too demanding and risky for a young child who may not have full balance or endurance yet. Heavy weightlifting isn’t suitable for preschoolers due to safety and appropriateness for their developmental stage. Sitting quietly doesn’t involve gross-motor activity, which is the focus of this question.