The Learning Tree Workshop: O Organizing Actions: Motor Planning i i A ti M t Pl i and Sequencing Series on Learning Differences, Learning Challenges, and Learning Strengths
Why is this so Important? � The capacity for motor planning and sequencing has to do with the ability to regulate and execute actions in the world in the world � Our motor system lets us interact with our environment A child with motor planning and sequencing challenges may have difficulties: y � Looking towards Mommy’s voice, copying shapes, executing the alphabet, combining multi-step actions, learning new dance steps, performing in sports, processing sensations/sensory modulation ti / d l ti The Learning Tree Workshop 2
Motor Planning and Sequencing Motor Planning and Sequencing at School � Directions involving three steps or more � Drawing � Drawing � Fine motor skills � Activities involving executing actions � Sequencing ideas - writing essays The Learning Tree Workshop 3
Elements of Planning and Elements of Planning and Sequencing Actions � Progression from very simple actions to more complex actions in planning and more complex actions in planning and execution � Coordination and balance � Coordination and balance � Rhythmicity and timing � Ability to integrate the left and right f sides of one’s body The Learning Tree Workshop 4
Other Diagnoses Associated with Other Diagnoses Associated with Motor Planning and Sequencing � ADHD/ADD � Underlying basis may be a motor planning and sequencing problem i bl � Inability to plan multiple actions in a row will cause a child to look lost and inattentive � Cerebral palsy � Low muscle tone � Relative weakness due to a variety of possible causes in early development in one side of the body, causing asymmetry in the body y g y y y The Learning Tree Workshop 5
Activities to Improve Motor Planning and Sequencing: and Sequencing: The Evolution Game Game that mimics human evolution in terms of movement � Start on floor as a “wiggling worm” � Move up to slithering “lazy alligator” *(Simultaneously strengthen our tree trunk - from engagement to higher level thinking)* � Crawl on all fours and become the child’s favorite � Crawl on all fours and become the child s favorite mammal � Crawl right, left, under, over, through things - making movement more flexible t fl ibl The Learning Tree Workshop 6
The Evolution Game (continued) � Walk upright � Create obstacle courses � Go on treasure hunt games increase number of steps � Go on treasure hunt games, increase number of steps � Run � Increase speed gradually � Modulate games, regulate motor actions Modulate games regulate motor actions � Hop, skip, jump—the m ore advanced skills � Always have the child have 70-80% mastery so they sustain interest t i i t t The Learning Tree Workshop 7
Adding Sensory Input � Auditory motor actions � Listening to directions and following them � Playing “Simon Says” games � Combining hearing with action � Addition of visual images � Flashcards with diagrams that give directions/cues The Learning Tree Workshop 8
Fine Motor Actions � Start off with the child getting used to the materials in their hands � Make it fun and enjoyable � Start with lines, scribbles, colors, free drawings � Copy circles, rectangles, diamonds, making letters � Let the child direct you where to put things � Then let him do it himself and take pride The Learning Tree Workshop 9
For a Child with Low For a Child with Low Muscle Tone � Consult with an occupational therapist or physical therapist � Help the child master the proper grasp of an object � Begin with lines, scribbles, and broad circles, then move to shapes � Pick up small objects with forefingers and Pick up small objects with forefingers and thumbs � Make it fun and engaging � Make it fun and engaging The Learning Tree Workshop 10
Group Games � Dance lessons � Sports � Sports � Going out with Mommy or Daddy for activities activities � Activities to improve social skills The Learning Tree Workshop 11
Rhythmicity and Timing Interactive Metronome � Provides a computer-based support p pp system for improving rhythmicity and timing by providing certain beats through earphones earphones � Helps to coordinate ever-increasingly complex motor actions with rhythmic beats complex motor actions with rhythmic beats through the person getting feedback about how close he is to the beat The Learning Tree Workshop 12
Balance and Coordination � Involve many parts of the mind and the brain working together, specifically the cerebellum � Practice by: � Walking across a balance beam, then try standing on one leg, then try standing on one leg with eyes closed � Learning to ride a bicycle � Learning to ride a bicycle � Learning dance moves, such as ballet � Learning sports g p The Learning Tree Workshop 13
Balance and Coordination Balance and Coordination Activities � Running � Jumping � Spinning � Perceptual motor (throwing, catching, kicking) � Balancing (walking and standing on the balance B l i ( lki d t di th b l beam, standing on one leg while keeping the eyes closed, throwing/catching a ball while walking on it) g g g ) � Integrating left-right (using both sides of the body together) The Learning Tree Workshop 14
Left-Right Integration Activities � Throwing and catching a ball � Kicking � Games involving left and right sides of body, making it fun and natural by letting the child invent new games invent new games � Using both hands together, coordinating both sides of the body sides of the body � “Brain Gym” � Dancing g The Learning Tree Workshop 15
Practice � Practice exercises that involve balance and coordination, rhythmicity and timing, and left- right integration in order to strengthen the whole motor system � Practice a series of games 2- 4 times a day in imaginative play and organized games The Learning Tree Workshop 16
The Principles � Go from simple to more complex motor actions following the Evolution Game � Add rhythmicity, coordination and balance, and left- right integration � Have games that involve all systems working � Have games that involve all systems working together � Treasure hunts, obstacle courses � Strengthen the tree trunk � Create more complicated games in the context of relating, back-and-forth interaction, and fantasizing. g The Learning Tree Workshop 17
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