ST Mary’s DSG, Kloof welcomed Grade R and 1 boys and girls from Highbury Preparatory, Hillcrest Primary, Westville Junior Primary and Winston Park Primary Schools to its second Let’s Get Going morning.
St Mary’s DSG junior primary’s head, Carolyn Cuthbertson, said research has shown children are generally leading a more sedentary lifestyle which has led to a decline in the application of motor skills.
This has led to an increase in the number of children requiring Occupational Therapy to improve this area of development.
St Mary’s believes a great education starts with an exceptional foundation and designed a morning of enjoyable team activities to highlight the development of these skills in a fun way.
“Prior to developing good fine motor skills, it is important to promote core and shoulder stability: arm, wrist, hand and finger strength and to provide many opportunities for proprioceptive stimulation,” said Carolyn.
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“There are many simple, enjoyable exercises that strengthen muscles and provide the stimulation needed to assist appropriate development.”
Some of the activities involved beating foam with old-fashioned egg-beaters, tug of war, an obstacle course, leopard-crawling and carrying shopping bags. Other ideas of activities to do at home included climbing, balancing on beams, threading, pushing a wheelbarrow, hanging washing, using tweezers and tongs to pick up small items, and carrying objects above the head.
The aim for Get Going was for the activities to provide some ideas for the parents and teachers to do with their children.
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