Monkey Bars
Age norms: 4.5-5.5 year olds
can hang from a bar for
approx. 5 seconds. By 6 years
they can move across the mon-
key bars.
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Key Components:
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Hang from an
overhead bar
Hang from an overhead
bar, and be able to jump
down and land safely
Hang from an overhead
bar, let go with one hand
to reach for the next bar.
Rhythm/body swing to
propel to next bar
**Kids will start leading
with the same hand to
the next rung with both
hands on the same rung.
Ideal progression is to
alternate hands on each
rung, so there is only one
hand per rung.
Underlying Skills:
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Practice “hanging” from
a bar first…then jump
safely to the ground
Hold child at their waist,
taking some of their
weight, and help them
maneuver from bar to bar.
Bring the ground up to
the child. If it is a big jump
to the ground…place a
bench or 2-3 chairs “just”
under their feet, so the
drop to the ground does
not seem so big.
The Next Level:
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Go across the monkey
bars holding a beanbag
between their knees.
Go through the monkey
bars forwards….then
backwards.
Climb across the top of
the monkey bars.
Skip a rung completely!
Bike Riding (two-
wheel….NO training
wheels)
The Next Level:
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Age norms: 3-8 years. (aver-
age= 5 years)
Key Components:
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Shoulder stability
Hand/grip strength
Core strength
Visual – depth perception •
to determine distance to
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next bar
Confidence
Tips to help your Child:
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Always wear a helmet
that fits properly.
Starting with a balance
bike is ideal!
Ride on toys…tri-
cycles…all great ways to
start too.
Take off the training
wheels.
Keep balance while
gliding down a very
gentle hill
Walk bike around
obstacles.
Strong arms to control
handlebars.
Keep eyes looking
ahead…and keep
pedaling.
Underlying Skills:
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Balance
Bilateral Coordination
Maneuver safely through
your environment
Tips to help your Child:
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Start on grass (softer
landing!)
Utilize gentle hills
for momentum when
learning.
Hold onto the back of
their shirt instead of
the bike seat. (Easier to
keep child safe if bike
tumbles over)
Practice – Short, fre-
quent practice sessions
are more effective.
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Try different terrain
(grass, asphalt,
gravel, dirt
road)
Draw a path
with side-
walk chalk.
Set out
cones
or toys as
obstacles to
go around.
Sign up for one of the
local non-competitive
bike races!
Kids feel fantastic when they
master pumping a swing,
going across a set of monkey
bars or riding their bicycle
ALL BY THEMSELVES! It is
motivation and boosts their
confidence. The underlying
components are essential
for all their future sporting
and academic achievements.
If your child is struggling to
accomplish these skills,
then reach out to an
Occupational or
Physical Thera-
pist, who can
further break-
down the task
so your child
has success.
These skills
are great for kids
and adults. Embrace
your inner child and head
back to the playground!
FUNCTION JUNCTION
LO G O U P D AT E S : S E P T 2 0 1 7
Function Junction is a child-centered private practice with the goal of
optimizing your child’s abilities and supporting them in reaching their
full potential. Here’s what we offer:
Developmental Screenings
Full Evaluations
Written Reports
Home Programmes
Individual & Group Sessions
Classroom & Home Observations
Bike Riding
Training and Education
Holiday Camps
…and more!
Contact us today for more information or to book an evaluation!
336-5455 • [email protected]
www.functionjunction.bm • find us on Facebook
mybermudaparent.com
FUNCTION JUNCTION
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