Performing fine motor activities while lying on the belly can offer incredible benefits for young learners. Parkview Preschool students practiced this recently in Ms. Jess's class!
Doing art like this is more than just fun and comfortable - it’s a game changer for development! First it improves posture and core strength. When children lie on their bellies, they naturally engage their core muscles to support their upper bodies. This helps build strength in their abdominal and back muscles, which is crucial for developing good posture and balance as they grow.
Stronger core muscles also lay the foundation for better control during more complex movements, like writing or drawing! Activities like drawing, coloring, or manipulating small objects while on the belly can advance fine motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. The position encourages children to use their hands and fingers with more control and precision. This strengthens their fine motor skills necessary for tasks like handwriting and buttoning clothes.
Lying on the belly also allows children to interact with materials in a new way and encourages tactile exploration as they reach out, grasp, and manipulate objects from a different angle. Whether it's tracing shapes, assembling puzzles, or using playdough, these activities engage the senses and promote brain development.
When kids work on their bellies, they're closer to the task at hand, which can help them filter out distractions from their surroundings. This can increase focus and concentration, especially for tasks that require precision or attention to detail.
Overall, fine motor activities on the belly combine both physical and cognitive benefits. It’s a simple but effective way to support children’s development!
Citations
Willow Roots - Learning Center. (2024, January 17) Desk vs floor/belly work [Facebook post]. Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhKKj4C7J/?mibextid=wwXIfr]