The following exercises are generally used from 6 months to 1.5 years old. These 2 exercises were given by Marissa's occupational therapist to help strengthen her bodies' shoulders, arms and hands. The exercises also help with hand coordination - so the hands can work as a team and help eye-hand coordination - helping the brain to coordinate information from the eyes to their hands. These skills are important in tasks such as tying shoes, catching a ball, drawing, pulling a wagon, keeping arms lifted and wheelbarrow walking.
Sticky Ball - wad up masking tape in a ball with the sticky side facing out. Place on babies hands and arms and let them use their opposite hand to pull off the tape. Do this on both sides - left and right hand and arm. You can also use words such as pull, hand and arm while baby is pulling the tape off their hand or arm. Scotch tape can be used in place of masking tape to make this easier.
Musical Pots - I haven't met a baby yet who doesn't enjoy this. Turn on music and show your baby how to bang on a pot with your hand or with a spoon to the music. Then let your baby have a go at it - using their hands, one or two spoons. I also say bang bang bang when Marissa bangs on the pot.
Have fun!
These exercises are from Handprints by Valerie Pieraccini and Darla K. Vance
No comments:
Post a Comment