gdvsmit@watrose.UUCP (Riel Smit) (03/08/85)
Does anyone have any advice on how we can help our 5 year old son to improve his large muscle motor skills? His (kindergarten) teacher seems to think it is below average. I don't necessarily agree with that assessment, but then I might not always be very objective when it comes to my son :-). He is a bit clumsy at times, but I have always thought that is part of the problem that growing kids have (especially during the fast growing stages - one of which he seems to be in now).
barry@mit-eddie.UUCP (Mikki Barry) (03/13/85)
For help with large muscle motor skills, two suggestions: 1. Karate. If you can find yourself a children's karate class that takes children this young, it is a great way to build skills and coordi- nation. Granted, the kid won't be Bruce Lee, but if you can find a class that stresses fun, the skills will follow. 2. Gymnastics. Same thing. A fun gymnastics class does wonders for coordination. As long as fun things are stressed rather than technique, and the kids in the class are not too old (below 7 or so), then kid will not only enjoy it, but will develop the desired skills. It will also show that "exercise can be fun" and not something to be shunned. It will develop good habits of being in touch with the body, and start flexibility at a beneficial age. Of course, take kid to the doctor first, for a physical to make sure that exercise is a good idea at this point. In most cases, its a great idea, but occasionally there are motor problems that need special help. Mikki Barry