Plums and Pips Playschool

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/

If you want to see a shift in the classroom, you’ve got to start priming the nervous system through sensory input, reflex integration and ocular motor work. Hey there! I’m Rachel, pediatric occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex specialist! I’m weirdly obsessed with helping parents, professionals and teachers understand and implement simple movements and activities that have a huge impact. If you give me 10 minutes per day, you’ll see a huge shift after completing these activities! I’m teaching a 2 hour course live on Tuesday 9/16 at 12pm EST: Sensory Strategies at School: Quick, Equipment-Free Support for Classrooms You’ll learn how and when to implement these activities + more into the classroom to help kids process information for effectively! Comment: SCHOOL for the link! It’s also AOTA approved, which means you’ll get 0.2 CEUs for your license renewal! I’m teaching the course through @sensationalbrain - I hope you’ll join me! 👋🏼 #thesensoryproject #occupationaltherapy #sensory #primitivereflexes #pediot #adhd #schoolbasedot #teachers #sped

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DILpv9uIHwJ/?igsh=MW16em9udjd1MmxxaA==

We’re currently in a parenting dichotomy - the pull between raising respectful, well-behaved kids, while maintaining the balance of being authentic and true to themselves. Sometimes we all need the gentle reminder, to sway one way or the other, but to make sure we’re getting this balance right. 💜

A wonderful dance studio offering modern, hip hop and musical theatre.

Plums and Pips hit the road running. Here is a blessed 2026 to everyone.

We are almost ready for the school year. #2026

Happy 2026. Cherish the small and big moments. Stop and smell the flowers.

Meaningful Christmas to all. Love from Plums and Pips

Weeks 8 and 9: Christmas continues 🎄⭐🎁✝️
Slip 'n sliding. Farm party: Learning to give a present to the kids on the farm. Tractor rides. Jumping castles. Here ends the school year 2025. ✌️ Have a blessed Christmas. Travel safely.

Again,it all starts with the core! Some holiday practise..

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOmy_AzkQ13/?igsh=MWo5ZXB6cmR5MjZtaw==

If you want to see a shift in the classroom, you’ve got to start priming the nervous system through sensory input, reflex integration and ocular motor work. Hey there! I’m Rachel, pediatric occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex specialist! I’m weirdly obsessed with helping parents, professionals and teachers understand and implement simple movements and activities that have a huge impact. If you give me 10 minutes per day, you’ll see a huge shift after completing these activities! I’m teaching a 2 hour course live on Tuesday 9/16 at 12pm EST: Sensory Strategies at School: Quick, Equipment-Free Support for Classrooms You’ll learn how and when to implement these activities + more into the classroom to help kids process information for effectively! Comment: SCHOOL for the link! It’s also AOTA approved, which means you’ll get 0.2 CEUs for your license renewal! I’m teaching the course through @sensationalbrain - I hope you’ll join me! 👋🏼 #thesensoryproject #occupationaltherapy #sensory #primitivereflexes #pediot #adhd #schoolbasedot #teachers #sped