Starfish Superstar

  • Strengthens oblique abdominals, which are important for upright posture (standing/sitting) and body control
  • Strengthens the upper limb (shoulders, arms and wrist), which is important for pre-writing, handwriting and fine motor control
  • Provides deep pressure proprioceptive input to the muscles and joints, which assists in regulation (assisting children to achieve a ‘calm, alert’ state, ready for learning).

 

HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • This is an ideal exercise to do just before handwriting or other fine motor activities (e.g. using cutlery, doing up buttons, tying shoelaces, threading beads).  This exercise activates the core and upper limb muscles (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers) ready to perform challenging fine motor activities.

Instructions

  1. Balance on your side, with one forearm and one foot on the floor
  2. Lift your hips off the floor and keep your body straight
  3. Lift your top leg and arm into the air to make a ‘star’
  4. Freeze as a starfish for as long as you can, then switch sides
child_girl_starfish_superstar

Watch Points

  • Lower elbow directly under the shoulders
  • Abdominal muscles squeezed
  • Whole body kept in the same plane of movement
  • Normal breathing (avoid holding your breath)

Do the Starfish Superstar…

  • With your knees bent and your bottom knee on the floor

Standing:

  • Stand side-on to a wall.  Place your closest hand at shoulder-height on the wall.  Take a large step away from the wall until your arm is straight and your feet are further away from the wall than your shoulders.  Lift your furtherest arm and leg to make a ‘star’. Hold this position for 5-10 deep breaths, then switch sides.

Seated:

  • Lift your arms up straight out to your sides (like a ‘star’ or wings).  Lean your body slowly over to one side, keeping your back long and tummy strong.  When you lean to the left you will feel the muscles on the right side of your tummy switch on.  Lean for as long as you can, then change sides.

Progress Tracker

  • For how long can you do the Starfish Superstar on your left arm?
  • Can you hold it for longer on your right arm?