When sitting, the neck and back muscles need to work to keep the head and trunk steady. These muscles make it possible to sit still and quietly for extended periods of time. These muscles are called on to work even harder when one or both arms are moved for instance, when holding a book, writing or completing other desk tasks.
Try these exercises to assess a child’s core strength and control and hence their ability to take part in, and absorb, what is being taught in the classroom.
EXERCISE 1
Ask the child to sit erect on a stool with the hips and knees flexed to 90 degrees.
Count to 60 slowly.
Top Tip: count with the child, vary your tone and pull faces to keep the child interested and alert.
EXERCISE 2
Ask the child to sit erect on a stool with the hips and knees flexed to 90 degrees.
Ask the child to lift the arms forwards to level with the shoulders, and to stay in this position.
Count to 30 slowly.
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