Cerebral Palsy Teaching Strategies

Children who suffer from cerebral palsy must be taught many physical skills so that they can live a healthy, happy life.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

• Cerebral palsy means the brain has suffered damage, usually in the womb, at birth or shortly after being born. The most common characteristics of cerebral palsy are "a group of common conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination," according to pecentral.com. While the disorder can never be reversed completely, those who have cerebral palsy can often go on to lead productive, happy lives if they receive proper training, therapy and education.

Physical Therapy Is Key

• In teaching those with cerebral palsy, often physical therapy is a main part of the curriculum, as the student's muscles, particularly those in the legs, are often stiff and contracted. There are four key teaching activity strategies when dealing with students who have cerebral palsy.

Stretching Is Important

• Stretch the muscles. Working closely with a physical therapist, students must give their muscles a workout, especially the legs and arms, to build strength and increase tone. Muscles should be kept loose, so stretching is done in a manner that gives them a slow, steady pull. Since children suffering from cerebral palsy are prone to tight muscles it is imperative to stretch daily, keeping the extremities limber to promote maximum movement and function.

Get Strong

• Build up strength in the limbs. In order for a student to better handle her body, all types of muscle groups must be worked---especially the arms and legs.

Position

• Do positioning activities. Place the student so she makes a long stretch. This helps promote good muscle tone and can be used for different types of students, including those who have bracing, abduction pillows, knee immobilizers and wheelchair inserts.

Do What's Normal

• Do what all kids do. Children with cerebral palsy can perform some of the same exercises as kids without the condition---they may just need a little help. For example, children with cerebral palsy can ride a specially adapted tricycle, which is fun and is also great exercise. They can also get a lot of exercise in a pool, where they may enjoy a new freedom of movement and which can help them if they have trouble breathing. In addition, elementary school students should be working on sensory-motor and perceptual-motor activities, along with relaxation. Middle school students can move up to muscle stretching, strengthening and awareness, as well as more exercise and relaxation. High school students can use activities that move them into community-based settings and learn about sports that part of U.S. Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association competitions.

Keep Exposing and Encouraging

• While cerebral palsy is a condition that doesn't ever go away, those with it can lead full, fun lives when they are introduced to a variety of physical activities at a young age and keep up with those activities into adulthood. From doing simple exercises with a physical therapist to swimming across a large pool, there is nothing these kids cannot accomplish when they are encouraged.