Motor Skills Archives

Motor Planning

August 28, 2020

Playing with Purpose

Motor Planning is the ability to move your body in ways necessary to accomplish a task.

- - Delays in accomplishing motor milestones.
  - Issues performing new or novel tasks that should be within the child’s repertoire. Such as, circling arms forward but not able to circle backward. They can jump but can’t jump in a circle.
  - Trouble stringing together a succession of movements or actions, like on an obstacle course. They have each skill such as jump, hop, and squat, but can’t figure out how to do them in rapid succession.
  - Issues making the two body sides work together in a coordinated fashion at the same time (like jumping) or reciprocally (like skipping).

After a brief period of learning, it should come naturally and the child shouldn’t need to think hard about how to accomplish the new motor tasks.

If you have trouble motor planning, the large actions of your body, you’ll also likely have issues with the finer actions of your hands, mouth and/or eyes. In general, we work in a developmental progression, which means we deal with the large body actions first.

Here are some fun possibilities for working on motor planning at home:

- - Use scooter boards and pull your child as fast as they can tolerate in many different positions, such as sitting or lying on their tummy. Attach a rope to a stable object, such as a door, and let them pull themselves hand over hand.
  - Try Jumping-Jacks
  - Ride on a sled while trying to maintain stability and your path
  - Have a dance party and teach each other moves
  - Play on the Monkey Bars at the park
  - Follow the leader as you move your bodies in different positions and patterns

The activities we’ve emphasized are whole body motor planning activities. When the brain gets the message of how to do these full body activities, we frequently see a trickle effect to other types of motor planning. Such as, fine motor control for the hands, eyes, and mouth.

Many academic pursuits are based on motor planning accomplishments. Reading, for example, requires that your eyes move together smoothly across the page. Learning the alphabet and number concepts require you to follow a left to right progression.

Working on motor planning can be a whole family activity. Don’t think about the work you’re doing, just think about the fun! (Pic: ice skating, family dance party)

If you need help with specific activities for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Sensory processing problems, frequently underlay issues of postural control and motor planning. Consider a Tomatis sound training program. During the pandemic, our home programs are especially popular. We love having the opportunity to take these extended periods of time at home and turn them into productive time for the children.

Are Your Child’s Physical Activities Curtailed by The Pandemic?

August 21, 2020

Postural Control & Strengthening Ideas

A continuation in our series, this blog contains postural control related activities for getting your child’s body to wake up and move. Children are spending considerable time in quiet, solitary activities. At this time, screen usage is through the roof and needs to be controlled for a variety of important reasons. The physical activities they thrive on to keep their bodies well and strong also need to be encouraged. We understand the necessity of screens particularly for learning and communication, but when used for entertainment, our kids tend to shun more active pursuits.

Our challenge is: how do we get our kids moving in a joyful way?

For the little ones, encourage crawling to an animated object like a toy that’s moving, making sound or lighting up. The Baby Einstein series of toys is particularly great for this. We know that Tummy Time is critical for neck stability, ocular control, and posture. Try laying down at their level and to encourage eye contact. This is a great time to sing a song, especially nursery rhymes. The goal is to try to increase their tolerance of this challenging position.

creeping, crawling, walking…

From here, we progress to creeping, crawling, walking, running, hopping, & skipping. Keep it interesting by introducing balls, bubbles, bean bags, chasing, music & obstacle courses.

Playgrounds can often be used in a socially distanced manner. Sitting correctly on a swing while pumping your legs is a great activity. Enjoy the variety of sounds that come out of your child; such as Ahh, Eee, and Whee! For less vocal children, motion and space activities accelerate vocalizations and language. I love wheelbarrow walking and slides, especially when you can safely go down head first, for body strengthening.

Postural control usually involves strengthening, balance and motion. High, fast, arrhythmic activities create the most alerting energy. You can alternate them with slow, rhythmic activities to create the most useful balance for your child. A good analogy is slow even swinging is more calming, where caching their legs mid swing and pausing for a smile or laugh before letting go, is more energizing.

I hope you find these postural control and strengthening ideas helpful. If you need individualized suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me. If you’re having trouble calming or energizing your child, consider Tomatis. For more information about me, please click here.

12 Things To Know About Tomatis®

April 25, 2020

1.) What is Tomatis®?
Tomaits is a sound training program that helps your brain to function optimally.

2.) How does it work?
Musical programs are designed for individuals to listen to with special headphones. The music is altered to work on the ear and the brain based on your needs.

3.) How do you assess my needs?
Assessment is a thorough intake which can be done in person or online.
In person testing is available but not required.
We discuss the results and determine goals together.

4.) What is the music like?
The music is mostly Mozart, but there are also waltzes, Gregorian chants, & marches.
At times the music may sound distorted or scratchy to you, but that’s a result of the programs.

5.) What’s the time commitment?
A typical program is 14 days, 80 minutes a day, a break of 4 to 8 weeks, and another 14 days, 80 minutes a day.
However, there is tremendous variability which may include less time and fewer days.

6.) Where do I listen?
Many clients choose to do their listening in my office especially when Occupational Therapy is needed.
Others choose to listen at home, school, or other location.
We also can combine home and office listening.

7.) What is the equipment like?
Programs are encoded onto a proprietary MP3 type player. Included headphones may be wired or wireless. The music is heard through the ear, as well through a small amplifier at the top of the head.

8.) What can I do while listening at home?
You can really do almost anything that does not involve a screen or reading.
This means no cellphones, iPads, computers, tablets or TV.

9.) What will I feel while I’m listening?
You may feel more attentive, grounded, relaxed, organized, and alert.
These leave your brain in a better state to develop and learn.
There are occasions where people feel oppressed or regress as nervous system changes are occurring, but they usually pass quickly.

10.) Who will benefit?
Almost anyone can benefit from Tomatis® training.
A wide variety of individuals ranging from infants through elderly, high functioning to severe issues.
Specific issues can include:

Attention- ADD or ADHD
Sensory motor integration
Postural and motor control
Behavior issues
Articulation
Speech & language
Academic skills
Developmental issues
Memory
Energy
Pregnancy programs for maternal relaxation and best developmental outcomes
Wellness

11.) Who is my Tomatis® consultant?

Sue is an Occupational Therapist with decades of experience in service for people with special needs.
Her practice is now focused exclusively on Tomatis® training with/without Occupational Therapy.
She is a level 4 Tomatis® consultant, which represents the highest level of training available. (A level 4 requires a minimum 4 years of training and mentorship. It confers programming possibilities not available to lesser trained professionals.)
Sue does all programing and provision of services herself.
Many people present themselves as credentialed Tomatis® practitioners. Please check credentials on the Tomatis® website.

12.) Does insurance cover Tomatis® training?
There are instances where face-to-face training may be reimbursable to you.

Now a question for you: Want to learn more about Tomatis® straight from people who’ve tried it? Check out our client testimonials