5 Games and Activities to Improve Hand-Eye Coordination
20 December 2023
Hand-eye coordination refers to our hands and eyes' ability to work simultaneously. It is an essential skill as many everyday activities, such as picking up objects, brushing hair, brushing teeth, writing, and playing ball games, require hand-eye coordination. Hand-eye coordination is something only some may be skilled in, but it can be practised. We have included 5 games or activities to help improve hand-eye coordination.
Balloon Volleyball:
Hang a string or ribbon horizontally between two chairs to make a “net”. Blow up a balloon and hit the balloon back and forth across the net with your child or children. You can also play without a net and try to keep the balloon in the air without dropping it.
An enjoyable activity for developing hand/eye coordination and oculomotor control, the ability to use the eyes to efficiently scan and locate an object in the field of vision.
Pillow Fight:
Pillow fights are a fun activity to help develop hand/eye coordination and also to teach children more about force and pressure used. It also develops balance skills, as children try to stay upright whilst they are pillow fighting.
Threading and Lacing Toys:
Threading and lacing toys are helpful for children with developing their hand/eye coordination, fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, and motor planning. Start with soft, chunky toys with large holes and move on to smaller holes. For older children, threading beads develop the same skills.
Skittles:
Skittles are great to develop hand eye coordination and to teach children about force so that they can throw a ball or beanbag hard enough to knock the skittles over. You can purchase skittles from many retailers or make your own by filling plastic bottles with sand. You can choose a distance that works best for your child to throw a ball or beanbag from and increase it as you go along.
Velcro Darts:
Velcro darts are a safe and fun way to practice aiming at targets and practice hand/eye coordination. This activity is suitable for young children and teens, and a fun, indoor activity for the wet winter months, as the risk of damaging objects in the home is limited with velcro darts.
