Movement...why is it important for children?
Monique Harris
Children in today’s day and age spend most of their time in a sitting position. Children need more exercise and movements that are more intense than adults. This is necessary for the good development of the body’s big muscles as well as other skills like balance, using both sides of the body together in activities, crossing the midline and coordinating movement. Children learn through movement – they learn more about the spatial world around them and to keep their bodies upright against gravity.
Observe your child for the following which could be an indication that the muscles need further strengthening/ or development or that your child needs help form an Occupational Therapist:
- Struggles to maintain an upright position during table top activities.
- Supports head with hand.
- Struggles to sit still and is constantly moving around or changing positions.
- Is clumsy and often falls.
- Presses too hard during coloring or drawing.
- Struggles with the execution of gross motor skills like one leg hops, skipping, galloping etc.
- Struggles with fine motor activities like cutting, colouring, pencil grasp etc.
It is essential that gross motor skills and the body are well developed (with the focus on tummy, back and shoulder muscles) as it forms the foundation with sensory development for fine motor skills and visual perception.
The following exercises can be done at home or in the classroom:
- Wheelbarrow walking
- Animal walks – walk like a crab, bear, monkey etc.
Roll or crawl- Do push-ups, make a bridge with your body
- Push, pull or carry heavy objects.
- Rough play like wrestling
- Create an obstacle course: crawl under tables, jump over boxes etc.
Jump: up and down, two feet together, one leg hops, star jumps etc.
Monique Harris,Occupational Therapist, moniqueharris77@yahoo.com, 0743598192