Overview

At various times over the course of the day, Kindergarteners gather to sit and play or listen to a story on the carpet without the aid of any supports (chairs, pillows, etc.). For some, this might be the first time they are expected to sit for prolonged periods of time (5-10 minutes) while maintaining an upright posture and staying relatively focused. Participation in other activities that promote the development of gross motor abilities will certainly be helpful in developing this sitting tolerance. We also recommend some other activities (listed below) that will promote the development of your child’s core strength and overall body posture!

Tips & Tricks:

• Gather for family story time on the floor in your family/living area! This will mimic the sort of environment your child will be exposed to in the classroom.

• Encourage your child to engage in some of their quiet activities while sitting on the floor rather than in supportive chairs.

• Check out the milestone “Listening to a Story Without Interrupting” for some tips on sitting calmly and quietly!

Activity Idea

• Try taking the pillows off the couch or bed and kneel on them to create a less stable but soft surface.

• In this position, have your child toss a bean bag or a ball at a target, or play a game of catch, where they are reaching to either side to catch.

• This will help to build core strength required for sitting upright on the carpet!

Limit W-Sitting

• Some children have the tendency to “W-sit” which looks like the photo below. Gently encourage your child to change positions if you see them sitting like this, as a reliance on this position could lead to tight or overstretched muscles and underdeveloped balance and core strength.

• If you find your child is “W-sitting” when seated on the floor, check out the helpful resources here!