GM.B.78 STANDS FROM A SMALL STOOL

This skill requires good trunk and hip control and is a similar movement to that used in GM.B.71 (stands from floor alone).

How to Assess

Materials: Achild-size block or stool. The child’s feetmust be flat on the ground.

Method:Sit your child on the stool and ask her to stand. You can hold your hands out for encouragement, but don’t assist. She may push up with her hands on the stool or a table, but she should not depend on you. Score plus if your child can stand unassisted.

How to Teach

As in GM.B.71 the child must learn to lean forward ‘nose over toes’. Initially, let her hold your hands and guide her to stand. Reduce your help as she gets the idea.

A small chair and table are ideal for the child at this stage. The child can push up on the table to help her stand when she has finished playing. Choose a chair that enables your child to place her feet back, slightly under the chair, as she stands (you will see that you do this to yourself, when you stand from a chair). The seat of the chair should be flat rather than tipped back – a backward slant is not the best position for the child’s pelvis.