One of the first things kids learn how to do is use their hands. Kids learn gross motor skills by pushing, pulling, picking up, and putting down items. When developing gross motor skills, children learn how to focus their attention on something coming at them and how to react with their hands. But if your child needs some help learning these skills, there are some ways you can assist them. Learn more in this guide to improving a child’s hand-eye coordination.
Gardening
Gardening is an easy-to-learn activity that many kids enjoy. It teaches children to grasp and hold on to objects, such as a watering can. When using a watering can, a child must hold the handle and tilt the nozzle so the water can easily sprinkle out onto the plants.
Other fun gardening activities that help with hand-eye coordination include:
- Digging holes in the ground
- Planting seeds and flowers
- Raking leaves
Ball Games
Ball games teach kids many skills, but the most important one is hand-eye coordination. Anywhere from PE to the playground and home, ball games help kids develop gross motor skills. Have a child bounce a ball and toss it back to you so they can learn by watching where the ball goes.
Children learn best through games. If you want to try something different than kickball, try out Gaga ball. Gaga ball is an inclusive game that challenges children and encourages them to learn and enhance their hand-eye coordination skills. Ball games are a fun part of a child’s development, so buy a plastic Gaga ball pit to help kids learn.
Sandpit
A sandpit is another great activity that enhances hand-eye coordination. Add a sandpit at the park for kids to play in with their toys.
A sandpit offers children a freestyle approach to developing motor skills. Kids drag shovels across the sand, scoop the sand up, and dump it out. Since sandpits are typically big, kids have more freedom to move around, touch, and see what they like. Sand is heavy, so depending on how deep children stick their shovels, they learn how to move their muscles to pick up sand.
Drawing
One of the best ways to improve a child’s hand-eye coordination is through drawing. Drawing introduces creativity and teaches kids how to position their hands and focus intently on what they’re doing. It’s a creative expression that helps kids learn how to focus and color inside the lines, and drawing lines, shapes, and more helps improve hand dexterity. Kids can do this activity in the park with sidewalk chalk or paint.
Kids need spaces and activities to learn and develop properly. The park is the place where everyone can come together and help their kids grow. We want to help—Discount Playground Supply offers ways for park administrators to enhance their playgrounds. Browse our online shop for more ways for kids to learn hand-eye coordination.