© 2024 Stretch-n-Grow International. All rights reserved.
- 800.348.0166
- info@stretch-n-grow.com
- Privacy Policy
Building Hand-Eye Coordination from Tots to Teens
While many skills build naturally, others require some extra activities to be reinforced and to improve. The skill of hand-eye coordination is one of those skills that the earlier someone can start to build it, the better the kid will be at it as an adult.
What is Hand-Eye Coordination?
Hand-eye coordination is the ability to accurately and smoothly coordinate movements of the hands and eyes. It involves the ability of the eyes to process information, the brain’s ability to coordinate the body with the information the eyes is sending it, and the real time communication between the eye and the brain. That’s a lot, and it happens so fast! Kids with good hand-eye coordination run into things less, are less prone to injury, and have an easier time learning sports if that is something they are interested in.
Here are 5 ways to help your kids build hand-eye coordination:
- Puzzles are a great way to help kids develop hand-eye coordination. The different shapes and the way they encourage pattern recognition help the brain and eye communicate with one another. Even better, puzzles get more complicated as children age, meaning there can be new challenges for them as they mature and develop. They can also be done as a family for some bonding time, during bad weather when they can’t go outside, and makes a good non-screen-based activity.
- Tossing Games can range in complexity from getting rings on a stick, to things like cornhole, and basketball as they age. It is the most basic form of hand-eye coordination; and if small kids begin to show interest or talent in sports, setting up the wiffle ball tee, kicking their first soccer ball, or tossing the football will get them ready for the big leagues at school or in community games.
- Relay games are a favorite here at Stretch-n-Grow, and we try to incorporate them in a lot of our lessons. Getting kids to hand objects over, under, around, and through obstacles gets them working together, and improving their dexterity. They can also be modified for indoor or outdoor fun.
- Sewing is a unique way to improve hand-eye coordination that people do not often think about, but it helps them work with their fingers on a smaller scale. Little kits can be purchased for age-appropriate needles and guides. Other types of activities that also help build hand-eye coordination like this includes weaving, knitting, and crochet.
- Musical toys and or instruments not only have the eye and brain speaking to each other, they help kids develop rhythm, teach them to read notes, and open up a world of fun and art. Playing an instrument increases muscle memory, and it can even provide opportunities for future friendships and even, in the long-term, a career. Stretch-n-Grow offers its Music Stars program for kids with an interest and a passion for funky rhythms, cool instruments, and learning how to make music.
Even adults can improve their own hand-eye coordination by doing these activities with their children. Which one sounds like the most fun for your family?
by Bethany Verrett
Bethany is a freelance writer and editor. Click on her name to find out more!
Click here for more about healthy brain development!
Find out about joining the Stretch-n-Grow Franchisee Family here! For information on finding a class for your child, adding Stretch-n-Grow to your school’s curriculum, or employment opportunities, click here or email us at info@Stretch-n-Grow.com!
