Kids aren't born coordinated. Coordination is something they learn through play, observation and careful --- or not so careful --- experimentation with the world around them. Parents and teachers can help children become more coordinated by playing games that help them build the mind-body-eye connection, and the muscle memory, that results in strong coordination.
Cross-Lateral Activities
Cross-lateral coordination, the ability to use your right arm effectively on the left side of your body and vice versa, is one of the last kinds of coordination to develop in a child. Any game --- such as patty-cake, pretending to play the guitar, or variations on "Simon Says" --- that requires children to practice that skill can help to build this important type of coordination.
Shuttle Run
For acceleration, deceleration and accuracy, a shuttle run is one of the better options you can teach your child. Set up three to six objects --- like cones, or balls --- in a line progressively farther from a starting point. The child runs to collect the first one, then sets it on the starting line before running to the second. Once he's collected all the objects, he returns them --- again one at a time.
Tire Run
The iconic obstacle course from boot camp, a tire run means running at speed while placing one foot in each tire as it lies on the ground. Kids can't handle full-size tires, but they can do similar drills using a hopscotch board, a rope ladder on the ground or lines drawn on the sidewalk with chalk. This develops hand-eye coordination as well as accuracy with foot placement.
Jumping Rope
Kids play jump rope games even when adults aren't telling them to, and they are often incredibly complex. The hand motions and accompanying foot rhythm require --- and build --- an impressive range of physical attributes that lead to coordination. The more complex the jump rope task, the better it builds coordination --- so long as the person jumping rope can succeed at least some of the time.
Sports
Organized sports and other group fitness options like yoga and dance develop full-body fitness, including strong coordination. Different sports build different kinds of coordination at different speeds and levels. However, the best sport to build a child's coordination is a sport he enjoys and will keep playing.
References
- "Los Angeles Times": Why Kids Benefit from Playing Sports
- "The Art of Empowering Children"; John Graybeal; 2003
