14. Week
I believe we have succeeded in inhibiting the Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex, and so we can begin to fully practice improving the cooperation of the cerebral hemispheres. Cross movements are used for this. Therefore, we will be practicing our well-known puppet exercise, but in cross pattern. We will also practice "classic" cross movements while lying down. And remember the game "Simon Says"? Let's do it!
Video, download and description of exercises
Files:
Bouncing dog
Put low obstacles on the floor, like a jump rope, a pillow, or toys. Now let the child to jump over them.
Goal:
Improve coordination of movement
The smart puppet
Have the child lay on his/her back with arms alongside their body and legs straightened out.
Then he/she turns the head slowly towards the right, while the left leg bent at the hip and knee, and the right arm bents at the elbow to allow the hand to rest near the face. The child tracks their right thumb with their eyes all the way until it the back of the hand is resting on the floor.
The child now returns slowly to their original position while continuing to observe the right thumb as long as it's visible.
This exercise is then repeated on the opposite side.
Note: you can divide this exercise into two parts. First, focus on the coordination of the movement. Both the arm and leg should be fully flexed and extended simultaneously. After mastering this movement, the eye movements can be added. Encourage the child to follow the hand all the way to improve the smoothness of eye movements, which is crucial for reading. Even when reading lines, it's critical to follow the words smoothly with the eyes to prevent missing any letters or words.
If you feel that the exercise is easy and that the child is never confused about which arm and leg to lift, then try to distract the child a little. Just ask simple questions like "what is your name?". When he/she suddenly can't just concentrate on the exercise, but also has to listen to what you say and respond. See if he/she can maintain the cross-movement pattern even then. If he can practice and talk at the same time, the cross movement is automatically performed.
Goal:
Improve movements coordination
Improve cooperation of the brain hemispheres
Improve hand-eye coordination
Cross Movements
Have the child lay on his back on the floor with his/her arms outstretched and his legs extended.
The child bends his left leg and touches his left knee with his right hand. The torso must remain straight.
Same on the other side. Repeat this exercise several times to automate the movement.
Goal:
Improve coordination of movement
Improve cooperation of the brain hemispheres.
Simon Says
To play "Simon Says", you will need at least two people. So you can plya this game with the whole family 😊. One person will play the role of "Simon" and give commands, while the other players will follow those commands. "Simon" gives commands starting with the phrase "Simon says". For example, "Simon says touch your toes" or "Simon says clap your hands".
The other players must follow the command only if "Simon" says "Simon says" at the beginning. If "Simon" doesn't say "Simon says" and gives the command anyway, the players should not follow it. For example, if "Simon" says "Jump", players should not jump.
Any player who follows a command without "Simon says" at the beginning is out of the game.
The game continues until only one player is left. That player is the winner.
Goal:
Improve auditory perception (listening skills)
Improve coordination of movement
Improve concentration
Drawing by Lines
Use the attachments. Before you start, take a moment to "fly" with a pencil, as you did last week. Given to the fact that there are several lines that go over each other now, it's a lot harder for visual perception.
Goal:
Improve graphomotor skills
Improve hand-eye coordination
Improve visual perception.
Another week behind us. You're doing great! We'll be halfway in no time! I look forward to seeing you next week! :-)