Did you ever realize that kicking is actually a developmental milestone? It is one skill that we measure on standardized tests when we are looking at a child’s motor skills in comparison with their peers.
How far can the child kick? How much force do they use? How accurate is their aim?
Kicking progresses gradually, just like most other motor milestones. Initially, kids will tap the ball in front of them with their foot, barely getting one foot swinging off of the ground while the other leg stabilizes. Your child may attempt to kick objects soon after he learns to walk.
Between the ages of 3-5, you will notice that your child can kick a ball with a lot more force, direction, and coordination between the arms and the legs (as the right foot kicks, the left arm swings forward and vice versa).
Kids at this age LOVE to kick a ball toward a tower of toys, like cardboard blocks, to attempt to knock them down. It is so fun to watch the distance expand between the ball and the tower as they are gradually able to kick farther and farther!
Eventually a child will start running up and kicking a ball. By the age of 5, a child should be able to coordinate their body to meet and kick a ball that is rolled to them from a distance. This can be frustrating for the first few attempts, but once they get it down, WATCH OUT! Those balls will come flying right back at you!
Teach your child to kick with this simple Quick Tip: Learning to Kick a Ball.
If they need a little motivation, try these Fun Soccer Drills For Kids,
Play Kick the Can in the back yard!
Grab the neighbors for a competitive game of Kickball!
Chasing Fireflies has a great game of Kick Croquet that looks like tons of fun!
Balloons are great for kicking because they require a lot more control!
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At The Inspired Treehouse, we believe that information about developmental skills and child development should be accessible to everyone, not just medical professionals. You won’t find a lot of complicated lingo here – we prefer breaking things down into terms that are a little less intimidating. That’s why we’re bringing you this awesome series: The ABCs of Child Development!
Over the next few months, we’ll be making our way through the alphabet, assigning the letters to different developmental skills. From gross motor to fine motor to sensory and more…when it comes to developmental terminology (and easy-to-understand definitions), you’ll find everything you’re looking for all in one place!
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Welcome to my blog ! I’m Roksana Sparrow.
Even though I jokingly credit my mother for my writing talent, I know that it is a ability I have fostered from childhood. Though my mother is a writer, I also started out young.
I’ve always had a way with words, according to my favorite educator. I was always so excited in science when we had to do a research assignment .
Now, I help current pupils achieve the grades that have always come easily to me. It is my way of giving back to students because I understand the obstacles they must overcome to graduate.
Roksana Sparrow – Professional Writer – 10 Traditional Philippines Dishes Every US Traveler Must Try Confederation