QBoy spent a year going to physical therapy between his second and third birthdays. I was with him at every appointment, since physical therapy for young children largely consists of the therapist training the parents how to do activities at home to support physical development.
Even though QBoy no longer attends physical therapy, one activity we continue to do to strengthen the muscles in his legs is called Rocketship.
To play Rocketship, we have QBoy sit down on a small stool that allows his knees to bend at about a 90 degree angle. His feet must be placed hip width apart facing straight ahead. (It’s important that his feet don’t point out.) He must also keep his knees close together. (Sometimes he will keep his feet close together but splay his knees out, which is not correct form.)
To make the activity more fun, we pretend he’s a rocketship, so he puts his hands in a point over his head.
And to add to the excitement, I count backwards from 10. (This also helps with math!)
10. . . 9. . . 8. . . 7. . . 6. . . 5. . . 4. . . 3. . . 2. . . 1
When I reach the end of the countdown, he blasts off by jumping up from the stool!
He’s having fun and strengthening his leg muscles at the same time!
This is such an awesome game! I also have a son with a delay in gross motor development and I am always trying to find fun ways to practice his gross motor skills. I will definitely have to try this one out!
I hope your son enjoys playing Rocketship as much as my kids do!
That’s very kind of you, thanks so much!