Many of these fundamental movement skills are specified in state pre-kindergarten standards and describe what children should be able to do before they start kindergarten. Examples include hop on one foot, spin on one foot, step forward and back, and balance on one foot for 5 seconds.

Movement activities, also called gross motor activities, are games, actions, or activities that engage the body's massive muscles, thereby building gross motor coordination.

Physically active children have greater motor competence and a faster maturation compared with their sedentary peers. Recent research also suggests that physical activity during childhood may also promote cognitive development and therefore improve academic performance.

Playing games and encouraging active participation in activities is a great way to develop skills in children that may not naturally occur, as well as improving the 'technique' of skills that do.