Postural support is a key skill required in the kindergarten classroom. Upper body core strength includes the neck, shoulders and trunk which are all responsible for stabilizing their body in an upright position.  This provides the foundation for the upper limbs to move about when manipulating classroom materials such as pencils, crayons and scissors. 

Some fun home exercises and tricks to work on building a strong foundation include:

Bear Walks: Stand hip with apart, bend forward so hands touch the ground. Move the left arm and right leg forward, then switch to the right arm and left leg quickly.

Wheelbarrow Walk: Start child in a plank position and pick up their legs supporting above the ankles. Challenge your child to walk forward with their arms supporting as long as they can support their weight. If they collapse quickly, work on holding a plank or modified plank with knees on the ground before moving to wheelbarrow.

Working on a vertical surface: Use an easel to paint, secure paper to a wall or vertical surface to work on isolating their arm and hand for fine motor control. 

Tummy time: Read and play on the rug propping up on arms. Encourage child to not use their hand to prop up their head. Let their neck muscles get stronger!

Play doh is a great tool for building strong hands. Developing the appropriate pencil grasp using the thumb, pointer and middle finger.

Break off small pieces, then try rolling the play doh between the pads of the thumb and index finger to make small balls

Flatten small balls by pinching them between the pads of the thumb and index finger

Try hiding small objects (beads, pennies, beans) inside and then try pulling them out

Use a rolling pin to flatten it out, then use cookie cutters to make shapes

Roll play doh in a log and pinch across using one hand, make a new log and switch hands

Some ideas to work on multi step directions include:

Games with multi step directions such as the I can do it game (below)

Involve your child in meal preparations 

If you child is struggling try:
giving shorter directions: (lunch, bookbag, shoes) instead of "get your lunch, put on your bookbag and go find your shoes!"

Providing visual supports

Give directions on a time, then add on as the child gains mastery