All Things Sensory by Harkla

#157 - What is Constructional Praxis and Why is it Such an Important Skill?

June 16, 2021 Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L
All Things Sensory by Harkla
#157 - What is Constructional Praxis and Why is it Such an Important Skill?
Show Notes

Did you know Amazon's big sale, Prime Day is next week, June 21st and 22nd?

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So, while Amazon has its sale next week, we're going to have our own sale at Harkla called (Anti) Prime Day where we'll have a big discount equal to the amount Amazon takes from us on sales.

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In today’s episode, Rachel and Jessica have a look at constructional praxis, the neurological process by which cognition directs motor action. 

In their conversation, they discuss what it is, how kids engage with it, and how parents can facilitate learning in children. 

There are four areas of praxis, namely motor planning, execution, feedback, and adaptation. More specifically, construction praxis is the ability to draw, copy, or manipulate spatial patterns or designs. 

You’ll hear about the various ways that kids engage in constructional praxis, like when they draw or play with Legos, and how they can engage in these activities by either copying, executing an original idea, or following auditory instructions. 

Our hosts share their favorite games for facilitating constructional praxis with kids, including some original DIY hacks for keeping things fresh. 

For all this and more, join us today!

Key Points From This Episode:

  • The definition of constructional praxis.
  • The four areas of praxis.
  • Examples of constructional praxis, like doing drawing or building with Lego pieces.
  • The different ways a child can draw or build with legos by either copying, building an original idea, or following auditory instructions.
  • How children engage in constructional praxis at different ages, from interacting with objects and container play as infants or toddlers to practicing math in school.
  • Imitating others and how it’s part of constructional praxis.
  • Games for facilitating descriptive language skills and constructional praxis.
  • Examples of how constructional praxis is applied in adult life, like balancing a budget, gardening, or taking care of animals.
  • How parents can engage in play with their children to facilitate constructional praxis.

This podcast is brought to you by Harkla.  Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. 

Podcast listeners get 10% off their first order with the code "sensory". 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

All Things Sensory: Episode 37
All Things Sensory, Primitive Reflex Podcast Series: Episode 100-104
Jenga
Pictionary
Lincoln Logs
Marble Maze
Harkla
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All Things Sensory on Facebook