Sensory Motor Exercises - Childhood Ages
Limit boundaries to a small area in which a child can play and be physically active. Children need time to develop awareness of themselves, and how their bodies move in space.
Help the child feel safe and secure in small spaces. Gradually enlarge the space, as the child becomes aware that you want to interact with them. In order for this to happen, children need physical comfort. Use blankets, animals, dark rooms, and quiet spaces to relax them. Tell children they are huggable and lovable; they cannot show affection until they receive comfort. Hold their shoulders or hands, and guide them slowly and gently engage them in the activity.
Spend time on the floor exercising and using the small muscles of the hands, ankles, feet and fingers. Bend and stretch arms and legs in alternating movements. Sing and dance, encourage them to move their bodies toward toys. Help the child to open and close containers and put toys and objects in and out of containers.
Sensory-motor floor play helps children improve coordination and balance. An example of sensory-motor activities are:
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Commando belly crawl game: Move elbows and hips, creep forward on your stomach on mats and carpet.
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“Fast like a horse” or “slow as a turtle” game: Moving on your knees, crawl over blankets or pillows, under tall tables, into cardboard boxes or a pool of balls.
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Raw potato kicking game: Kick bean bags or heavy balls across the floor while standing up.
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Elephant walk game: Bending forward at the waist, allow the arms to hang limp. Sway from side to side with big lumbering steps as you walk.
