Rolling the Working Mat

Material Description:

Working mats have two lines to indicate one-third from each edge, the lines must be visible on both sides of the mat, they can be made with paint or ribbon.  The perimeter of the mat is also marked to identify the edges clearly.

Presentation:

• Bring a rolled mat to the place of presentation
• Make sure that the open edge is on top and faces you
• There should be sufficient space behind you to unroll the mat
• Sit on your haunches
• Insert the fingers of the right hand under the far side of the mat one-third in from the edge
• Place the right thumb on the top of the mat
• Do the same with the left hand
• Turn the rolled mat towards you
• Bring the thumb next to the fingers
• Insert the fingers of the right hand under the roll
• Make sure that the fingers are between the open edge and the rolled part of the mat
• Repeat the movements with the other hand
• Unroll the mat with the same movements, as you go on unrolling keep moving backwards on your haunches
• To roll the mat insert right thumb under the mat at one-third distance from the edge
• Place the fingers on top
• Repeat this movement with the other hand
• Slightly raise the mat, pause, turn it and bring it down
• Take the fingers of the right hand and put them next to the thumb
• Release the thumb and insert it under the folded part of the mat
• Repeat the same movements with the other hand
• See that the first fold is neither too tight or too loose
• Keep moving forward on your haunches as you roll the mat
• At times inspect both sides to see that the edges of the mat are even.
• Continue till the entire mat is rolled
• The open the edge of the rolled mat should be on top facing you
•  

Points of Interest:

• The first fold should not be too tight or too loose
• Keep watching the evenness of both sides of the rolled mat
•  

Purpose:

• Co-ordination of Movement
• Independence
• Concentration
• Social Adaptation
•  

Age at Presentation: Two and a half years

Footnote: This activity can also be included under the ‘Grace and Courtesy’ activities.

Putting down a rolled Working Mat

Material Description:

Working mats have two lines to indicate one-third from each edge, the lines must be visible on both sides of the mat, they can be made with paint or ribbon.  The perimeter of the mat is also marked to identify the edges clearly.  Before presenting make sure that the open edge is on top and faces you.

Presentation:

• Sit on your haunches in front of the mat, or bend to be level with it
• Insert the fingers of the right hand under the mat one-third in from the edge
• Place the right thumb on the top of the mat
• Do the same with the left hand
• Straighten your legs to bring the mat up to abdominal level
• Walk carefully to the place where the mat is required, ensuring that there is sufficient space behind you to unroll the mat
• Sit on your haunches
• Gently bring the right end of the mat down till it touches the floor
• Bring the left side down
• Remove the thumb and then the fingers of one hand at a time
•  

Points of Interest:

• When walking it is important to be aware of and avoid obstacles
• It may be necessary to turn the mat on its side when walking in a narrow space, such as through a door
• Look at the ends of the mat carefully when bringing them down
•  

Purpose:

• Co-ordination of Movement
• Independence
• Concentration
• Social Adaptation
•  

Age at Presentation: Two and a half years

Footnote:

• Make the activity more difficult by putting obstacles in the way of the child and her destination
• This activity can also be included under the ‘Grace and Courtesy’ activities