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Dancing, either freestyle or through songs with movements, such as "I'm a Little Teapot,"
"The Wheels on the Bus," or "Popcorn": I'm a piece of popcorn, put me in a pan/Shake
me, shake me, as fast as you can (child shimmies, shakes, and jumps)/And I ... will ...
(child crouches down low) ... POP!" (child jumps as high as he can). (Dance and
movement classes, like pre-ballet, can be fun but aren't necessary for motor-skills
development.)
Walking, around the house, neighborhood, or park. For variety, add in marching,
jogging, skipping, hopping, or even musical instruments to form a parade. As you walk,
tell stories, count, or play games.
Balancing: Have your child walk on a piece of string or tape, a low beam or plank at the
playground, or a homemade balance beam.
Playing pretend: Kids boost motor skills when they use their bodies to become waddling
ducks, stiff-legged robots, galloping horses, soaring planeswhatever their imagination
comes up with!
Riding tricycles, scooters, and other ride-on toys; pulling or pushing wagons, large
trucks, doll strollers, or shopping carts.
Playing tag or other classic backyard games, such as Follow the Leader, Red
Light/Green Light, Tails, or Simon Says (avoid or modify games that force kids to sit still
or to be eliminated from play, such as Duck Duck Goose or musical chairs).
Sand play
Puppet shows
Cooking: includes pouring, shaking, sprinkling, kneading, tearing, cutting with butter
knife
Manipulative toys such as blocks, puzzles, or dolls with clothes to take on and off
Jumping, skipping, running and throwing are synonymous with children's playtime. However,
participating in any of these activities requires developing gross motor skills, which encompasses
the strength and coordination of large muscle groups throughout your child's body. Physical
therapists who work with children whose gross motor development is delayed, or otherwise
impaired, rely on a variety of fun, playful exercises that help develop this important area of his
well-being.
Water Activities
Anything relating to water is especially appealing to your child in warm weather. Swimming,
even if it means doing the "doggy paddle" while wearing a life jacket, strengthens your child's
upper body as she reaches and pulls through the water and kicks her legs. For younger children,
leaping through the sprinkler or running around with friends trying to dodge a rotating sprinkler
builds coordination and strength in her legs and core, according to Angie Dorrell, M.A., NAEYC
accreditation validator and former commissioner, for Early Childhood News.
Throwing Exercises
Throwing and catching weighted objects, such as bean bags or light-weight medicine balls, can
target your child's arms, shoulders, back and torso. Catching these same objects can also improve
balance because she must tighten and stabilize her core muscles against the impact of the ball.
For younger children, start with large, inflatable balls over a short distance the she can easily
catch. As her skills improve, practice playing catch with balls of different weight, shape and size.
Repetitive Exercises
Exercises that require your child to repeat a motion continuously, such as pedaling a tricycle, can
build endurance and coordination. Pedaling a training bike with his feet, jumping on a miniature
exercise trampoline or bouncing on a bouncy ball while gripping the exterior handle are all
activities that require your child to stabilize his core muscles while coordinating the large
muscles in his legs.
References
Terrio Physical Therapy and Fitness: Physical Therapy for Autistic Children
Christina Bednarz Schnell began writing full-time in 2010. Her areas of expertise include child
development and behavior, medical conditions and pet health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in
international relations.
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Untuk meningkatkan keterampilan motorik halus, anak diarahkan untuk melakukan kegiatan
yang memerlukan akurasi. Perlu diperhatikan bahwa untuk meningkatkan keterampilan motorik
anak harus dilakukan bertahap. Berikut beberapa contoh kegiatan yang memerlukan akurasi
tinggi.
Menulis huruf alfabet, huruf akan terbaca orang lain jika bentuknya benar.
Bermain piano, nada yang dihasilkan sesuai dengan tuts yang ditekan.
Mewarnai gambar, suatu warna tidak boleh melewati garis batas bidang yang
diwarnai.
Menggunting menurut pola, jika guntingan tidak mengikuti pola maka bentuk
yang dihasilkan tidak sama dengan pola.
Dan lain-lain.