20/01/2026
Skill of weeks 2 and 3: ... You guessed it. The most NB one which needs to be repeated and reminded over and over...
*Core body skills*
Core body skills for preschoolers build foundational strength through fun, playful movements like animal walks (bear, crab), playground climbing, tummy time, rolling, and simple balancing games, which support posture, coordination, and the development of more complex gross and fine motor skills like writing and self-feeding.
Activities such as jumping, dancing, and obstacle courses using tunnels or cushions also effectively strengthen the core, improving stability and focus.
*Key Core Skills & Activities* :
Axial Stability: Moving around the body's central axis (spine).
Dynamic Balance: Reacting to balance changes while moving.
Locomotor Skills: Moving from one place to another (crawling, walking, jumping).
Manipulative Skills: Using hands/feet to control objects (throwing, catching).
Fun Ways to Build Core
Strength:
Animal Walks: Bear walks (hands & feet, hips high) and crab walks (sit, lift hips, walk) use the whole body.
Tummy Time: Great for neck and back, even for toddlers.
Planks & Bridges: Simple planks (hands/toes, straight line) or bridging (lying on back, lifting hips).
Playground Fun: Climbing, swinging, and clambering use core muscles without direct "exercise".
Crawling Obstacles: Crawling over cushions or through tunnels strengthens shoulders and core.
Sitting Balance: Sitting on a therapy ball or a wobbly cushion and trying to balance or pick up objects.
Superman Pose: Lying on tummy, lifting arms and legs off the floor.
Rolling: Rolling on the floor, perhaps while holding a small toy.
Jumping & Dancing: Frog jumps, hopping, and dancing all engage core muscles.
*Why it Matters for Preschoolers:*
A strong core helps with posture, prevents slouching, improvesg focus, reduces fatigue, and allows for better coordination in all physical activities, from playground fun to drawing and writing.
Video sent in Dec:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOmy_AzkQ13/?igsh=MWo5ZXB6cmR5MjZtaw==
Video sent in Dec:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17XTTxumeJ/
