Movement of the Month!

Brought to you by the Rebecca School Physical Therapy Department

March’s movement is…

Low to high kneel!

How to low kneel: In kneeling, the child sits back on feet. The arms can rest on lap or sides.

Transition from low kneel to high kneel: From low kneel, child squeezes glute muscles to bring hips up and forward into an upright position.

Why kneeling is important: Kneeling provides sensory integration via tactile input from the points of contact with the floor; improves body/spatial awareness; aids in the development of controlled mobility/stability; initiates weight acceptance through the pelvis; and activates & strengthens abdominal, back, and leg muscles. High kneeling is an important development step between crawling and standing.

Modifying kneeling: Hold knees together while putting pressure on the legs to stabilize; give tactile cues at hips to help facilitate the transition from low to high kneel; hold hands with the child to give extra support during the transition. 

For an extra challenge: Try high kneel on a flat swing; try walking on knees in high kneel; try holding your hands above child’s head to encourage reaching up and lifting from low to high kneel; try sequencing Meatball, Log Roll, Cobra, Army Crawl, Crawl and then Kneeling!

High Kneel is also known as “Giraffe” or “Bunny Breaths” in our movement stories!