Friday, August 31, 2018

Changi Beach Park

Two weeks ago, we brought J to Changi Beach Park. J loves this park very much. It is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. What attracted us are the playgrounds and the various sand play area. He did lots of climbing, crawling, pulling and motor planning in the various structures.

Climbing, crawling, pulling and motor planning are involved.
These skills are essential to help in his handwriting.

It is a good place to help J hone his gross motor skills, which in turn, will help in his handwriting.

In order to cross over to the other side, some motor planning
is needed.

Gross motor skills are abilities that allow people to do things that involve using the large muscles in the torso, arms and legs to complete whole-body movements. Gross motor skills is not just about acquiring sports, etc. Many research talks about the relations between gross motor skill and handwriting. You might like to read the relations here.

The structure requires J to put in some effort on how and where he needs to climb.

Strength and Motor Planning Skills

Further down the park, there is another playground that has swing. Swings gently develop muscle strength and fine motor skills. Balancing on the swing seat can strengthen the core. Holding on to the cord or chain of a swing strengthens grip strength and finger coordination - an essential milestone for children learning to write.

Holding on to the cord or chain of a swing
strengthen grip strength and finger coordination.

Another activity in this park: Sand Play. Playing in the sand helps to develop fine motor skills when using a small shovel, digging and pouring into the bucket. Sand play also helps to develop a sense of textures.

Sand Play.

Lastly, at this park, airplanes will fly above us every few minutes and it is great opportunity to see the body of the plane.

Airplanes flew past every few minutes.


There are many activities that can help hone gross motor skills in Changi Beach Park. A very good recommended place to go.