Early Learning
Foundations
Early Learning Foundations 1
Teacher Instructions Pages 234-248
Cross Creep Backward
Purpose:
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Develops organization of the midbrain area of the brain.
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Positively impacts the endocrine and immune systems.
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Encourages lateralization development (establishing dominance for eye, ear, hand and foot to improve long term memory).
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Can improve eye-hand coordination and convergence.
Supplies: Floor mats, carpet or soft grass
Instructions:
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Client gets in a position on hands and knees.
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Hand and opposite knee move backwards and hit ground at the same time. Sometimes this is difficult so assistant(s) can help motor client through the proper movements.
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The other hand and opposite knee then move backwards and land on the ground at the same time.
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Synchronization and smooth rhythmic movements are important for growing the nerve pathways in the brain correctly so assistance may be needed for the first few months.
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Slow motions are ok at first so the brain can process and learn something new.
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Once client is comfortable with cross creep backwards you can vary the speed-sometimes slow or medium or fast.
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Fingers remain flat on floor and straight ahead.
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Head is up and eyes look forward except for an occasional glance backwards for safety.