Balance and Control Skills Develop Brain and Body
Try A Tiny Shift in Foot Support To Improve Balance and Coordination!
For Body and Brain Connections During Kids PLAY
Skill Development Task FOUR:
Popcorn Popping
STEP BY STEP PROGRESSIONS
Balance Work on Feet: With a soft play toy or crushed paper towel available, find a safe space to work with your child.
Use the soft object under the heels of your student.
YOU can make a big difference in your youngster's body control.
Ask your child to stand with their feet side by side, and SAY
- 1. Place your feet together.
- 2. Pretend that giant>/b> pieces of popcorn, EXPLODE under your heels.
- 3. The popcorn forces your heels [and body] UP!
- 4. Hold high.
- 5. Drop the heels down to squash the popcorn.
- 6. A slight use of the arms to aid balance is fine.
HELPER HINT: Clap your hands to promote a sharp and CRISP action [up/down].
Variations: suggest the child tries different speeds of pops ~~ slower, quicker.
TASK OBJECTIVE: CONTROL OF BODY This task will allow the child to explore and develop control over movement and balance.
Teaching Hints for Turning Kids Play into Build Brain Time
- The senses will connect the muscles to the brain as the child strives to maintain their balance.
- Make sure that the practice times for this task are SHORT and happy!
- Check to make certain that the legs are straight and head held erect.
- This tiny task recruits the brain and ensures good muscle control.
