Building Confidence through Movement at Little Steps

At Little Steps, our children’s movement class at Positive Steps Physiotherapy, we have been having a fantastic time working on some really important movement skills! 

Over the past few weeks, we have been focusing on stepping up and over objects, practicing jumping, and developing the skills needed to move from the floor into standing. These activities help children develop their strength, balance, coordination, confidence and independence through movement.

Learning to Move from the Floor to Standing

One of the key movements we have been practicing at Little Steps is moving from side sitting into half kneeling and then pushing up into standing.

Breaking the movement down in this way helps children practice the individual skills involved in getting up from the floor. These are important building blocks for developing the strength, balance, coordination and control needed for standing and other everyday movements.

At Little Steps, we know that every child develops at their own pace. That is why we break bigger movements down into smaller, achievable steps.

By focusing on each part individually, children have the opportunity to practice movement patterns, develop their physical skills and, most importantly, build confidence in what their bodies can do.

Developing Balance, Strength and Coordination Through Play

Stepping over objects and practicing jumping can also help children develop leg strength, balance, coordination and weight shifting.

These skills are useful for many everyday activities and can support children as they work towards their own individual movement goals, which may include standing, walking and becoming more independent in their mobility.

At Little Steps, we use lots of repetition, encouragement and play to make activities enjoyable and meaningful.

What might look like a simple game is often an opportunity for a child to practice an important physical skill that can transfer into everyday life.

Celebrating Every Little Step

We love celebrating the small achievements along the way — whether that is holding a position for a little longer, stepping over an object, attempting a jump or getting a little closer to standing independently.

At Little Steps, we believe that every little step is a big achievement.

By breaking movements down, practicing together and building confidence, we can support children as they work towards their individual goals and greater independence in their movement. 

We’re incredibly proud that, to date, 100% of the children who have attended our Little Steps class have taken their first independent steps during their time with us — a wonderful milestone for every child and their family. 

We are so proud of all the effort and progress we have seen, and we can’t wait to see what the next Little Steps bring!

What is Little Steps?

Little Steps is a children’s movement class at Positive Steps Physiotherapy, designed to give children opportunities to practice movement skills in a fun, encouraging and supportive environment.

Activities are adapted to the children taking part and may focus on skills such as balance, coordination, strength, transitions, standing, stepping, jumping and walking.

Through play, repetition and encouragement, our aim is to help children build their physical skills while developing confidence in movement.

Written by Gemma, Physiotherapy Assistant at Positive Steps Physiotherapy and leader of our Little Steps class