Definition: Affordances refer to the properties of an object or environment that allow certain actions and movements.
Example: A water bottle affords you the ability to pick it up and drink.
Perception of Affordances: Our perception informs us of what movements are possible in different environments.
Stairs as an Example of Affordances
Blindfold Exercise: Trying to navigate stairs blindfolded can highlight how different stair designs afford movement differently.
Differences in Stairs:
Standard stairs vs. bleachers: The unique design of bleachers can pose challenges due to different rise and run dimensions (the height and depth of each step).
Building Codes: Stair dimensions are often regulated by building codes to ensure safety and usability.
Body Scaling
Definition: Body scaling is adjusting the environment or equipment according to the physical attributes (size, strength) of an individual.
Examples of Body Scaling:
Youth Sports: Different size bats in baseball for various age groups allow for better control and execution.
Dodgeball: Different sizes of dodgeballs based on age group, and potentially modifying the court sizes.
Importance: It allows individuals of different sizes and abilities to participate effectively in activities.
Understanding Movement and Play
Movement is influenced by the way different objects and environments afford various interactions.
Infants as Explorers: Infants use various objects (tools) to learn about their physical properties and relationships to one another and their environment.
Creative Play Assume
Young children engage with tools and objects in creative ways, exploring how these objects work and relate to their movement.
Learning through Play: Tools and objects can serve as stimuli for developing movement skills and creativity.
Sensory Systems and Balance
Discuss the major sensory systems involved in maintaining balance and posture:
Vestibular System: Affects balance found within the inner ear.
Vision: Important for spatial awareness and orientation.
Proprioception: Body's ability to perceive its position in space.
Activities to Improve Balance: Examples of tasks like single-leg balancing and the differentiation between static and dynamic balance.
Task-Specific Balance Development
Balance abilities usually improve with age, and are often specific to the activity being engaged in (e.g., dance vs. soccer).
Children typically refine balance through their involvement in sports and physical activities.
Proprioception vs. Visual Cues
In younger individuals, there’s a tendency to rely more on proprioceptive feedback as they grow.
Important in scenarios like playing sports where they must balance and react based on body awareness rather than just visual input.