By mimicking animal movement, children can acquire new motor skills in a fun and relaxed way, which maximises their motivation. Through such skills, they develop movement patterns for greater independence in playing and learning.
Children with special needs often need more encouragement and opportunities to develop their primary potential. Tera/GIB activities involve selected imitations of the movement of 12 animals: frog, horse, cat, rabbit, koala, giraffe, crayfish, dog, snake, elephant, caterpillar and monkey.
They are led by a person directing, encouraging and supervising the child in the selected animal movement. By mimicking the movement of a particular animal, a child with special needs can develop motor independence, steadiness and dexterity, acquire a feel for their body, become more confident and join a group of peers more easily.
Activities can be undertaken individually, in pairs or groups, in a gym, playground or in a natural environment. It is essential that the child experiences pleasure through the movement activity, as this gives them a feeling of acceptance and inclusion. Tera/GIB activities are suitable for children with special needs as well as all other children.
Coordinators: Erna Žgur, PhD, and Tjaša Filipčič, PhD, mentors: Klavdija Krušec and Diana Batista, PeF
