In this section we have a range of motor skill exercises, many of which we incorporate into our groups.
Don't forget to check back as we'll be adding more on a regular basis.
There is a handout for each activity with further ideas and modifications.
As with any exercise, please take due caution and work within reasonable limits for yourself and your child.
Don't forget to check back as we'll be adding more on a regular basis.
There is a handout for each activity with further ideas and modifications.
As with any exercise, please take due caution and work within reasonable limits for yourself and your child.
The "Just Right Challenge"
Motor activities should be fun and engaging for children.
When a movement becomes too challenging a child can easily become discouraged or disengaged.
Work with your child to find their "just right challenge" level.
This is something which is at a level they can achieve while pushing themselves to try the next step.
By finding the right level of challenge and remaining positive and supportive we can help our children extend their skills
and feel good about themselves too.
power warm ups
| Warm Ups |
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As with any exercise activity it is important to prepare your muscles and joints for the movements you will be doing.
Take it easy during warm up exercises and gradually increase the range and intensity of movements. Make sure you have access to water and keep well hydrated. Warm ups can incorporate active movements such as jogging and skipping. In this video we show some of the power warm ups we use in our groups. |
Ladder drills
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Ladders are brilliant for encouraging motor planning and agility.
Use them as part of an obstacle course for walking, jumping or hopping through. Balance along the rungs or run through them as fast as you can. Work forwards, backwards and even sideways and diagonally. Place your hands on the rungs to move through them for a whole body workout - moving in a bear walk or like Spider man. | ||
balance exercises
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Balance is an important part of developing postural control and general coordination.
There are many fun ways to work on balance including Yoga moves, playing hopscotch and using stepping stones and balance beams. In this video we look at using using stepping stones and similar items. You can support your child's balance by offering a hand. If they just need a little support, holding onto a hoop, one end of a stick or even holding a toy between you can provide a sense of security, while they actually do most of the balance work. Video coming soon :) | ||
Hurdle exercises
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Hurdles engage children in working on their balance, motor control and strength. You can play around with the heights and the number of hurdles in a sequence. For little ones who are not yet at a stage of jumping or leaping over a height, you can use a line on the ground, or even the garden hose. | ||
markers and cones
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Markers or cones are very versatile and can encourage agility, speed and endurance for activities.
You can place them in a straight line for zig-zags (slalom) or in a circle or square for running around ..... or for running from one point to another. You can sequence a number of movements to work on memory and sequencing: for instance, run to end and crawl back, then side step to end and crawl back. Have fun and be creative. | ||
stretches & cool downs
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Cooling down and stretching is just as important as your warm up.
It allows your breathing to return to normal and provides an opportunity for your muscles to recover from your workout. For many children who participate in our groups, the slow movements of a cool down provide time for motor planning so they can work on getting their arms and legs in the right positions. We can also build in lots of opportunities for working on balance and moving the two sides of the body (bilateral integration). | ||