Hand-eye coordination is necessary for accomplishing tasks such as writing, building, cooking and self-care. According to Science Line, hands and eyes work separately and in coordination in the brain. The development of this skill begins at birth and continues to develop and improve over time naturally with practice, but a child needs encouragement to develop this skill in his full capacity. Remember that every child does not develop at the exact same pace, but talk to your child's doctor if you are concerned about his hand-eye coordination.
Birth to 3 Months
A baby is born with the ability to grasp objects. You may notice that she tightens her hand around your finger or keeps her fists clenched most of the time. Though her eyesight is still less than perfect at this stage, her ability to grasp is the beginning of her hand-eye coordination skill that will help her to some day read, write and draw. By age 3 months, she will be able to bat at toys and may even attempt to pick up things that she sees.
4 to 8 Months
During age 4 to 8 months, a baby develops the ability to pick up large objects. He will also be able to move objects from one hand to the other. This is his hand-eye coordination continuing to improve. Every time that he sees an object, reaches for it and is able to pick it up, he is using his brain to tell him where his hand should go. Although his movements may be clumsy at this age, he is still perfecting his skill.
9 to 12 Months
Between 9 to 12 months of age, a baby will develop a hand preference. This means that one of her hands may become stronger and dexterous than the other, although you may not be able to tell for a couple more years. She may have also mastered her pincher grasp, which requires using her thumb and index finger to pick up small objects such as cereal.
Toddler and Older
During his toddler years, a child will continue to refine his hand-eye coordination skills that will prepare him for school in just a few years. By the time he reaches preschool age, he may be able to play with puzzles and dress himself independently. Healthy Children states that beginning at age 6 years, his eyes will have finally reached their normal round shape and can track objects better. His ability to judge direction will still need work, so he will do best catching or kicking a ball that has been passed directly to him.
Encouraging Development
To encourage the development of hand-eye coordination, provide appropriate materials. Art activities can show a child that her small movements with a crayon or paintbrush are making the marks she can see on a paper. Any toys that involve stacking, building or shape sorting help her eyes to judge shape and distance. Roll a ball back and forth with her, and play often so that she learns how her eyes and hands can accomplish things together.
