From Play to Plate
How motor planning play is crucial to fostering better eating habits in kids
Bonus motor planning play activity suggestions included below!
Motor planning, also known as praxis, is the ability to conceive, plan, and execute purposeful movements.
In the context of pediatric occupational therapy, understanding how motor planning influences feeding skills in young children is crucial. It plays a vital role in the successful execution of various motor tasks, including those related to eating and self-feeding.
Praxis involves the ability to ideate, plan, and organize the sequence of movements required for a specific task. When it comes to feeding, this means that a child needs to not only recognize the desire to eat but also effectively plan and execute the necessary motor actions to bring food from the plate to their mouth. Here are the main ways that motor planning affects feeding skills:
Initiating the feeding process: Praxis is responsible for initiating the feeding process. A child must be able to recognize hunger cues, decide to eat, and then plan the necessary movements to start the feeding activity.
Coordinating eye-hand movements: Successful self-feeding requires precise coordination between the eyes and hands. Praxis enables a child to visually assess the food, plan the appropriate grasp, and execute the movements needed to bring the food to their mouth.
Sequencing bite and chew movements: Motor planning is crucial for sequencing the bite and chew movements. Children need to organize the steps involved in taking a bite, chewing the food, and coordinating swallowing. Praxis ensures the smooth execution of these actions in a coordinated manner.
Adapting to different foods and utensils: Each food item may require a different set of motor movements. Praxis allows a child to adapt their motor planning skills to various textures, shapes, and sizes of foods. Additionally, using utensils involves planning and executing specific movements, further highlighting the role of praxis in feeding skills.
Managing food consistencies: Praxis is instrumental in managing different food consistencies. Whether it's a soft puree or a crunchy snack, children need to adjust their motor planning to accommodate variations in textures and consistencies during the eating process.
Praxis is the crucial cognitive foundation that supports the motor planning skills necessary for successful feeding and self-feeding in young children.
By fostering and enhancing praxis, occupational therapists can contribute significantly to a child's ability to engage independently in the joy of eating, promoting overall well-being and development.
Play activities that encourage the development of praxis:
Building blocks: Engage children in activities that involve building with blocks and magnetic tiles. This helps them plan and execute movements to create structures. Encourage them to follow simple patterns or come up with their designs, enhancing both motor planning and creativity.
Obstacle courses: Set up simple obstacle courses that include activities like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, or stepping onto designated spots. This encourages children to plan and coordinate movements to navigate through the course.
Animal movements: Ask children to move like different animals, such as crawling like a bear or hopping like a bunny. This not only makes motor planning enjoyable but also enhances body awareness and coordination.
Cooking together: Involve children in simple cooking activities. Tasks like stirring, pouring, and spreading involve motor planning skills. Cooking also provides an opportunity to explore different textures and smells, contributing to sensory awareness.
Puzzle play: Introduce age-appropriate puzzles that require planning and sequencing. Start with simpler puzzles and gradually progress to more complex ones. This helps children develop the ability to organize and execute steps in a logical order.
Dress-up games: Encourage dress-up games where children put on different clothing items or costumes. This involves planning and executing movements such as zipping, buttoning, and tying. It also supports the development of fine motor skills.
Following simple instructions: Play games that involve following instructions. Use activities like Simon Says, or create a treasure hunt with step-by-step clues. This enhances motor planning and reinforces the ability to follow sequential directions.
Craft activities: Engage in crafting activities that involve cutting, gluing, and assembling. These activities require planning and executing fine motor movements. It’s also fun to incorporate sensory challenges using craft supplies like pom poms, feathers, foam, sand, craft sticks and glitter.
Outdoor play: Swinging, climbing, balancing on playground equipment, and other outdoor play activities provide excellent opportunities for developing motor planning skills. These activities challenge children to coordinate movements in response to their environment.
Music and movement: Incorporate music and movement into play. Dancing and moving to different rhythms help children plan and execute coordinated movements while having fun.
The best part about developing motor planning skills is that there are endless opportunities throughout the day to practice them through fun and motivating play activities. Children are naturally motivated to learn new skills and practice and refine them. Engage their curiosity and allow their praxis skills to develop naturally.
If it seems as if your child has difficulty performing motor activities that come more naturally to other children, getting help from a pediatric occupational therapist to identify and work on the foundational skills early on is recommended.
If you have concerns about your child's sensory motor planning and feeding skills, or if you would like personalized guidance on activities to support their development, we have the expertise and resources you need. Check out our feeding and sensory packages and let’s get started today on your journey toward more adventure. We’re ready to take your child’s play skills to the next level!
