7 non-seated positions to challenge your kiddo!

Not all kiddos are ready to tolerate sitting activities for very long. Changing positions can have a lot of benefits. Different positions can challenge kiddos to work on body awareness, coordination, and strength. They can stimulate brain development, working different parts of the brain bringing different perspectives for visual attention, memory, and spatial awareness. Changing positions can provide necessary sensory input to improve regulation and comfort. They can help improve attention and focus, breaking up the monotony of prolonged sitting, especially for the kiddos with shorter attention spans. Changing positions of an ordinary “tabletop” task can bring a novelty to the activity, making it more enjoyable and fun.

Standing Position Using a Vertical Surface

• Can improve posture to prevent slouching.
• Works on trunk and core strength while maintaining an upright posture.
• Works on bilateral hand use, holding the paper with one hand while using the other to draw or write.
• On vertical surfaces, the wrist is placed into an extended position when holding tools which benefits grasp development.
• Standing develops motor skills by engaging different muscle groups while working on balance & coordination.
• Alternate standing work with opportunities to sit & rest as standing can become fatiguing.

Half Kneeling Position Using a Vertical Surface

• Engages the core muscles working on strength, stability and postural control.
• Aids in proprioception and the awareness of the body in space.
• Uses both sides of the body working on bilateral coordination, using a hand to support paper while drawing with the other.
• Writing on a vertical surface positions the wrist into a more developmental grasp position.
• Changing positions during tasks can help with focus and attention.
• Challenges the body to coordinate the asymmetrical half kneel “lunge-like” position while drawing or writing.

Kneeling Position

• Similar benefits to the half-kneeling position working on core strength, stability, and postural control.
• Provides proprioceptive input through the shins and knees to help understand the body’s awareness in space.
• The proprioceptive input can also promote calming.
• Alternated seated positions can provide movement through activities to decrease fidgeting through tasks.

Tummy or Prone Position

• Provides proprioceptive input to the body helping kiddos feel grounded and focused.
• Promotes head and neck strength.
• Supports visual perceptual skills providing a different visual perspective.
• Works on bilateral coordination and hand-eye coordination.
• Works on core and upper body strength while developing shoulder stability supporting the upper body while on the forearms and hands.

Side Lying Position

• Promotes shoulder and hip stability, stabilizing the shoulder and hip on one side while performing the activity.
• Enhances midline crossing which is beneficial for development & coordination.
• Works on bilateral integration, using both sides of the body together.
• Works on coordination and body awareness encouraging the controlled use of limbs.
• Provides sensory input through proprioceptive input which can promote calming and organization.

Hands & Knees Position (on all 4’s)

• Works on core stability and strength.
• Can work on reflex integration by maintaining body positioning through activities.
• Provides proprioceptive input with weight bearing pressure through the joints, supporting body awareness and regulation.
• Works on bilateral coordination by managing weight distribution and coordinating limb movements.
• Promotes wrist extension to help develop strength and stability needed for fine motor grasp and control.
• Quadruped activities encourage motor skill development while engaging a range of muscles and motor skills.

Supine, or Back Lying Position

• Pressure laying on the back on a firm surface provides proprioceptive input which can be calming.
• Encourages unique motor planning using tools against gravity.
• Challenges the upper body engaging the shoulder and arm muscles differently compared to standing or sitting.
• Looking up at their work brings a different perspective working on visual motor skills and eye coordination.
• Brings variety to an activity making it novel and fun.

Performing activities in different positions can bring a variety of benefits, but it is important to be aware of how your kiddos are tolerating the different positions. Extended periods in a certain position can bring fatigue and frustration especially if they are not used to it. Ensure that positions are comfortable and safe. Add pillows, cushions, or supports as needed. Alternate between positions throughout activities to prevent overuse of certain muscle groups. Be creative in the different positions and activities you have your kiddos perform and have fun!