- Definition
Non-locomotor movement is when your child moves parts of their body, like their arms or twisting their torso, without actually moving their feet from one spot to another.
Twisting your body from side to side while your feet stay still is a non-locomotor movement.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Non-locomotor movement is like being a tree — your feet are the roots stuck in one spot, but you can still sway, twist, and wave your arms.
Ask your child: How can you move your body without moving your feet?
Common mix-up: Kids might think movement always means traveling, like running or walking. Non-locomotor movement is about moving your body while staying in the same place.
Examples
- Bending over to touch your toes without taking a step.
- Stretching your arms up high like you are trying to touch the ceiling.
- Swinging your arms back and forth while standing still.
non-locomotor movement is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
