Instructions
The ‘Arch Shape’ is a Foundation Shape that is important for developing upper body and arm strength, flexibility as well as core stability.
- Lie on tummy
- Lift legs and feet off the floor
- Lift shoulders off floor and arms above head
- Squeeze back and bottom muscles to maintain arch
- Keep head in line with arms
- Show good body tension
- Hold balance for 5–8 seconds
Safety
Ensure…
- the area is free from objects
- the surface is not slippery
Opportunity to develop
- Co-ordination
- Balance
- Motor Skills
- Accuracy
If you see
| Observation | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Child finds it difficult to balance | Insufficient core stability | Develop core stability |
| Child finds it difficult to lift shoulders off floor | Insufficient core stability | Practise ‘Seals’ |
Can you see?
- the child lie on their tummy?
- the child lift legs and feet off the floor?
- the child lift shoulders off the floor and arms above head?
- the child keep head in line with arms?
- the child showing good body tension?
- the child holding balance for 5–8 seconds?
-
Mostly No
- Practise ‘Sky Diver’, ‘Crab’, ‘Back Support’
-
Yes and No
- Practise ‘Spinning’ and ‘Flipping Sky Divers’
-
Mostly Yes
- ‘Dish Shape’ – ‘Arch Shape’ – ‘Dish Roll’
- ‘Arch Shape’ – ‘Dish Shape’ – ‘Arch Roll’
- With eyes closed
-
Challenge
- Hold ‘Arch Shape’, pick up and transfer cones from one place to another – use half a clock circle, eyes closed
- Reach right hand to left foot, then left hand to right foot maintaining good body tension
- Pick up a bean bag and place it on back, take off with same hand or other hand, repeat using other hand
- As above but using a ball, try to keep ball from rolling off back, eyes closed
- Resist gentle force applied by a partner and maintain balance, eyes closed