Do you ever feel like you’re directing a baby cross-fit class when working with little ones to strengthen their muscles?
Sometimes, toddlers have weak core muscles. We know from the proximal-distal principle of development that all development of the extremities is dependent on the development of the core. This article from the Virginia Cooperative Extension, “Human Growth and Development -A Matter of Principles” by Novella J. Ruffin explains this among other learning principles.
Early Intervention Special Instructors have a vast knowledge of child development play activities to engage children in a variety of play activities that promote big body movement and core strengthening. However, if there are gross motor concerns, a physical therapist should be consulted. If this is the case, the physical therapist may coach you on how to use specific core-strengthening activities that would benefit that child.
No matter what area of development I’m working on, I love using songs, especially the simple ones most mamas and daddies already know. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is one I use frequently for rocking and swinging activities. It lends itself to rocking movement.
Just recently, though, I found it works for a core-strengthening activity, too! At the moment, I have two toddlers on my caseload who have gross motor delays. Our Physical Therapist pointed out that these girls needed to work on getting up off the floor without rolling over or using their hands as support. I watched her show me how to work with each girl. It is basically a modified sit-up. It looked so easy when she did it. These two videos from the Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises YouTube channel illustrate better than I can in words.
Next week, neither girl wanted ANYTHING to do with me getting them to sit up that way. Headscratch.
I had to think of a way to make it fun where they forgot they were basically performing an advanced move from a pilates class.
So I came up with this …
Make it a Rowboat Game while Singing Silly
We sit on the floor together. I hold their hands and assist them in pulling up to sit while singing the nursery rhyme. When they pull up to sit, I lean back and let them pull me up. Warning! This requires some intense ab engagement of your own. It is like we’re taking turns rowing a boat while singing the song, which is super silly and offbeat.
Leave Them Wanting More
Once they are having fun and the song ends, I stop. When they want to do it again, I make them start from flat on their backs and then pull to sit to start the song again.
Lessen the Hand Support
We repeat this over and over as long as they are having fun. Still, gradually, I lessen the amount of hand support I provide until they do more work themselves from their abdominal muscles– not their arms.
I keep the work level low enough for them to enjoy it and high enough for a muscle challenge. It works because it is a game, and they will want to repeat it. Repetition here builds strength.
Give them all a turn.
They all wanted a turn…
It was a big hit in the class at a childcare center. The kids lined up around me on the floor, begging for their turn. This is where I saw firsthand the wide range of abdominal strength among typical 2-year-olds.
Whatever exercise you choose, adding music will make it even more fun.
All Things Early Intervention 