Crossing the Midline
Crossing the midline is so important on the physical level as well as on the brain level. On the brain level, a lack of midline crossing may indicate that the left and right sides of the brain (hemispheres) are not communicating well together.
We start off small, we use colours and cues to help develop a pattern of learned functionality. We have found colour and texture work best to engage the pattern of movement required to build on this skill.
Co-ordination Development & Balance
Coordination, Bilateral coordination and balance are all closely linked to a person’s ability to use both sides of the body together in a coordinated way. Better balance and coordination also means an enhanced control over how the body moves.
We rely on props such as rocker and roller boards to improve stability and balance which aids in a stable foundation to better improve control over the body when learning the punch techniques. If you think of boxing being heavily anchored from the lower body we train to improve hips, glutes, core and oblique muscles.
Motor Planning & Sequencing
Motor planning and sequencing involves planning and ordering new muscle (motor) actions. It involves generating an idea of what you want to do (ideation), figuring out how you are going to do it (motor planning) and then doing or carrying out what you wanted to do (execution).
Integration of the brain and senses (e.g. touch, movement, vision, hearing) is required for good planning and sequencing. Frequently we find that efficient, effective sequencing of planning and executing movement is not second nature for many of the clients we see.
Broken down, motor planning and sequencing involves 3 parts:
- Formation of ideas and concepts
- Planning
- Execution
Motor Skill Development
Most special needs children tend to have problems with their balance, body strength, and coordination. These problems are affected by gross motor skills, or skills that use the larger muscles of the body. In most cases acquiring improvements in gross motor skills leads to an improvement in fine motor skills using smaller muscle groups.
Spatial Awareness
Spatial awareness is the ability to be aware of oneself in space. The key to developing spatial awareness is to have adequate awareness of the body, relative to other objects and / or people. Developing awareness gives the ability to see and understand two or more objects in relation to each other and to one’s body in terms of space and distance.
