By Sue Heron – Training Co-ordinator Tatty Bumpkin and Paediatric Physiotherapist
In this blog I:
Describe how to do the activity with your child or toddler
Give some reasons why this week’s Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity is beneficial for your child or toddler
Give you ideas on progressions for the activity and games you can play around the activity.
Remember though, for you and your child to gain the full benefit of all the Tatty Bumpkin Yoga and multi-sensory activities, find out about your local Tatty Bumpkin class at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/classes/find-class.html.
Or, ask your child’s nursery if they are doing Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity sessions as part of their day. Our qualified Tatty Bumpkin Teachers are fully trained in aspects of child development and Yoga and are kept fully up-to-date by our professional team of paediatric physiotherapists, Yoga teachers and musicians.
Movement, co-ordination skills - all made fun!
Or, maybe, you are thinking of a new career, which gives you: The opportunity to work with kids A great sense of job satisfaction and Flexible working to fit around your own family Find out how you could be trained to deliver Baby and Tatty Bumpkin classes in your area at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/business/index.html.
The Tatty Bumpkin Adventure this Week … One of my favourites!
If your child is going to a Tatty Bumpkin class this week they will go on an adventure with Tatty Bumpkin to visit a poor, little old lady :-( … Tatty Bumpkin works her magic and soon the little old lady’s knitting needles are going crazy :-) … In this class your child and will have a chance to:
Refine their co-ordination skills as they brush their teeth and knit with Tatty Bumpkin and friends!
Progress their communication and problem solving skillsas they come up with ideas to help the little old lady …
Uuumm - just how can we help the little old lady?
Have fun with others as they move as elephants – cleaning the little old lady’s house!
Wash the windows .. was the walls!!
Brushing Teeth - Tatty Bumpkin’s Activity for the Week!
Description of Activity
Tatty Bumpkin always brushes her teeth before she goes on her adventures.
Guide your child's hand so they can feel the correct movement. Use a mirror to help your child see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth.
Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using an egg timer to time it for about two minutes.
Don't let your child run around with a toothbrush in their mouth as they may have an accident and hurt themselves.
Want to make it Harder?
After your child has brushed their teeth (so they do not hurt themselves) they can practice balancing on one leg!
Start, with both hands on the sink, then see they can balance with one hand on the sink…then no hands! Make sure there are no obstacles near to the sink which your child could fall onto.
Tatty Bumpkin and friend do tricks at the sink!
Why Brushing Teeth is ‘Good for Me’?
Brushing teeth helps your child’s: 1. Dental health Every few years the government does national survey of children’s dental health. In the last survey (2003) 40% of 5 yr olds had at least one tooth with decay. Among 8 yr olds, 57% had obvious tooth decay.
2. General health as they get older Poor dental hygiene is connected with diabetes, obesity and heart disease in later life.
3. Hand skills Brushing teeth gives your child another chance to practice their fine motor (hand) skills. The more opportunities your child has to practice these skills the better they will become at other hand skills such as writing.
4. Balance After tooth brushing - standing at the sink is a great place to practice balancing on one leg as the sink provides a natural support. Once again practice makes perfect!
Jean Holgate, who manages Bolton’s oral health team, gives good advice on looking your children’s teeth see http://tinyurl.com/nvv5cb9
So Remember .. Tatty Bumpkin Classes
Because each Tatty Bumpkin adventure is carefully linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) the sessions not only enhance your child’s physical skills they also develop their communication, social and thinking skills. Find your local class at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/classes/find-class.html.
