304 chapter 35
2. Activities to encourage rolling and twisting
After a baby has fairly good head control, usually the next step in development
is to roll over. Rolling involves sideways twisting of the head and body. Twisting, or
rotation of the upper body on the lower body, must be learned before a child can
learn to crawl and later to walk.
Babies normally learn by themselves to roll over. But children who are
developmentally delayed will learn faster with special help and encouragement. Help
the child learn first to lift and turn her head to the side, then her shoulders and body.
Attract the child’s attention by holding a rattle
or toy in front of her,
Encourage her to reach sideways for the toy,
then move the toy to one side, so the child
turns her head and shoulders to follow it.
then move the toy upward, so that she twists
onto her side and back.
If she does not roll over after various tries,
help her by lifting her leg.
Also, help the child learn to roll
from her back onto her side. Again,
have her reach for a toy held to one
side.
cp
Note: If the
child has spasticity,
you may need to
help position
this arm before she
can roll over.
Note: If the child is very stiff, before doing
other exercises or activities,
first help to relax him by
swinging his legs back and
forth,
or curl up the child in a ‘ball’
and slowly roll his hips and legs
from side
cp to side.
Or twist his
body to one
side and then
the other.
Have him help
by reaching
for something
he likes.
Praise him
when he does
it.
Remember: THE FIRST RULE OF THERAPY: HELP ONLY AS MUCH AS
NEEDED, ENCOURAGING THE CHILD TO DO MORE AND MORE FOR HERSELF.
Disabled village Children