ST Mary’s DSG recently welcomed the Grade R and Grade 1 boys and girls from Hillcrest Primary, Winston Park and Westville Junior Primary School for its first Get Going morning.
Research shows that children are generally leading a more sedentary lifestyle, which has led to a decline in the application of fine motor skills. More and more children require occupational therapy to improve this area of development. St Mary’s believe that a great education always starts with an exceptional foundation and designed a morning of enjoyable team activities to promote and develop motor 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 the junior primary head, Carolyn Cuthbertson. “There are many simple, enjoyable exercises that strengthen muscles and provide the stimulation needed to assist appropriate development.”
Some of the Get Going activities involved beating foam with and old-fashioned egg-beater, tug-of-war, an obstacle course, crab walking and carrying shopping bags. Other ideas of activities to do at home included climbing, balancing on beams, pushing a wheelbarrow and carrying objects above one’s head.
The hope for Get Going was for the activities to provide some ideas for the parents and teachers to do with their children. “An active child is a happy child,” said Carolyn.
