Kids who live outside of cities have stronger motor skills because they spend more time doing chores and have more space to play in than city kids.
Organized sports benefit city kids, but overall, country children are more competent with ball control and balance which improves both the large and fine motor skills necessary for schoolwork. Kids who can handle balls have more competitive playground skills leading to success at recess.
Play ball, do balance activities, teach coordination with jumping jacks, galloping, skipping and hop scotch.
For hand-eye skills, use a t-ball set-up for sports with swinging motions.
Begin with rolling balls to teach kids to anticipate things coming toward them.
Use all size balls when playing catch. Start with beach balls and make your way down.
Teach agility by running and quickly changing directions.
Play is just another way to build learning skills, so get out there!
Claudia
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