Keep it fun and functional

Use the child’s interests and create a purpose to the motor activities. Ensure there is variety in what the child is doing.

Think outside the square

For teachers: work collaboratively with specialist teachers to see if they can implement certain motor activities into their lessons, think of ways to offer lessons differently to include more motor demands, adapt the activity suggestions to suit your student(s).

For parents/carers: you may also think of different ways to do familiar things, e.g. do the air chair activity (from The Motor Skill Flip-Book Program) while they are brushing their teeth. Also, consider extra-curricular activities that may address the child’s motor skills in a way that you may not be able to offer at home or school, e.g. martial arts, dancing, swimming, scouts/guides, sports etc.

Utilise playgrounds

And/or advocate for playgrounds that support motor development – check out Sally’s work as a playground design consultant here.