How to Teach a Student With Cerebral Palsy the Skill of Catching

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder which can hinder body movement and muscle coordination. The severity of CP varies case to case. One person with cerebral palsy may be able to blend into society with only a slight amount of awkwardness while others with CP may require a lifelong caretaker. As a result of the affects CP has on the body poor hand-eye coordination is common in CP persons. Poor hand-eye coordination can make the skill of catching difficult. However, with some patience and the right materials you can successfully teach somebody with CP the skill of catching.

Instructions

1

Become educated about your student. While teaching the skill of catching to a CP patient is possible, not all people with cerebral palsy will be able to learn to catch. The skill of catching involves control and strength in your upper body. Therefore, your student with CP will need to have upper body control and strength.

2

Advise the person with CP to watch the object being thrown as soon as you release the object from your hand, just like you would do with any other child when teaching the skill of catching. Throwing the object at a slow pace can make watching the object easier for your student.

3

Practice the skill of catching often. The more often your student catches the better his hand-eye coordination will become. Playing a game of catch regularly is ideal. When playing catch find out how far your student can throw so you know how far away to stand when playing.