Using our Whole Bodies to Learn Writing Skills

Even in kindergarten and first grade many children are not developmentally ready for the bilateral (using both sides of the body and brain), two dimensional skills of school work such as reading, writing and other fine motor activities. These children may not know right from left, may reverse letters and words, and may have trouble crossing the middle of their body to reach to the other side.

Here are three simple ideas to help children develop right/left awareness, directionality and bilateral integration (the awareness of and ability to use the two sides of the body together or separately). Activities that use a number of senses at one time further help the child grasp the concepts being taught.

1. Teach right and left ears, fingers, toes, shoulders, ankles, knees, legs, arms, elbows, wrists etc. Play identification games such as Follow the Leader and Simon Says, incorporating the concepts of right and left.

2. Whole body movement: give directions such as jump to the left, wiggle your right side.  Play Hokey Pokey.

3. Accentuation hop: Have the child jump on right and left foot in a sequence/pattern. For example, jump two times on right foot and one time on left foot. Have the child try to repeat the pattern to reinforce the concept. Emphasize the need for the pattern to be rhythmic.

These are great ways to help prepare your child for school related math and literacy activities. Be creative and add some of your own ideas too (don't forget to share them with the rest of us though!) I'll continue to share more throughout the week as well.