Advice and resources : Planning movement (motor planning)

Overview

Motor planning is our ability to have an idea of how we want to move, plan how we’re going to move, and then actually move.

This lets us respond to our changing environment, and in everyday situations.

They may have a Developmental Coordination Disorder (previously known as dyspraxia). This is likely if they have significant difficulties with movement, but they're keeping up with their peers with overall learning, and do not have other learning needs (Global Developmental Delay) or diagnosis like a genetic condition.

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can assess movement difficulties and their impact on day-to-day life.

However, the involvement of a paediatrician for example, may be necessary to identify or rule out other possible conditions before a diagnosis is given.

What you might see

If your child is struggling with planning movement, you’ll notice that they:

• may use too little or too much force
• have poor timing and anticipation in their movements, such as when they’re trying to catch a ball
• are often tripping, falling, or bumping into things
• are poor at construction activities, including writing and scissors skills
• have difficulties with carrying out everyday self-care tasks, such as dressing
• have difficulties learning new skills and need more practice than other children
• have difficulty copying movements from others, like learning dances and games

How you can help

There are techniques you can use to help your child improve their movement planning.

Plan

• Help them see the steps to accomplish a task
• Ask them to repeat the directions, and maybe write them down
• Demonstrate how to play a game before actually playing it
• Mark the physical boundaries of a game or task, for example, using rope or masking tape for a start and finish line

Repeat and practice

• Ask them to rehearse what they have learned regularly - repetition is useful
• Start with basic two-step activities and building up to three, four and then five steps. Count the steps as you go, like 'first' and 'last' or 1 – 2 –3

Small steps

• Give them one direction at a time, adding a new action after they’ve completed the last
• Give them a short piece of work so that they can feel instant success when completing the task
• Ask them questions about what they’re going to do and how they’re going to do it
• Encourage them to describe what they’re doing 

Assist

• Help your child physically move through the action so that they can experience the correct movement, for example hand over hand
• Encouraging them to check off steps as they complete them, like placing a symbol card in a ‘done box’

Variety

• Encourage them to do art projects where they need to put together different parts to assemble something. This will help them to develop strategies for organising parts, and can help build up their self-esteem. Make sure they receive lots of praise for their work
• Take a break between actions during a game to make sure you have their attention

Self-care for older children

There are steps you can do to help yourself.

Be organised

• Have a list of things to do, such as items to put in your bag / PE kit, and homework that needs to be done
• Use alarm reminders, notes on your phone, post-it notes, a wall planner or diary, and colour coding school books

Getting ready

• Pack your school bag and PE kit the night before, and lay out your clothes/uniform in order
• To make dressing for PE easier and quicker, make sure that your kit bag is easy to access, avoid fiddly fastenings, and use Velcro shoes or Lock laces
• At home, dress in front of a mirror to give you a visual cue on how to put each item on correctly

Learning

• Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat instructions or ask for extra time if you need it
• Break your homework down into small chunks and tick off after each part is completed
• If you're worried about learning a new game or sport or using unfamiliar PE equipment, find out more by reading up, watching videos, or asking an adult to explain the steps

When to ask for help

If you’ve tried all of these techniques and you’re still not seeing any improvement after four months, please do speak to your health visitor or GP.