Which of the following best defines gross motor skills?

Gross motor skills refer to the abilities that involve the use of large muscle groups to perform actions that require whole body movements. These skills are crucial for a range of activities such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing, all of which require coordination and strength from larger muscles in the arms, legs, and torso. Gross motor development is fundamental for children's overall physical development and is often a key focus during early childhood, as it lays the foundation for more complex movements and activities later in life.

In contrast to this, options that define skills requiring coordination of small muscles focus more on fine motor skills, which involve the use of smaller muscle groups for precise movements such as writing or buttoning a shirt. The reference to skills being unimportant for child development does not accurately reflect the importance of gross motor skills, as they are essential for engaging in play and learning activities. Finally, skills related only to fine crafts emphasize precision and artistry, again contrasting with the broad, whole-body movements characterized in gross motor skills.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the significance of larger muscle group involvement essential for physical activities and development in children.