Welcome back to another edition of Therapy Thursday! Today, we have a fun motor development game for kids that I absolutely love. It’s super easy, super cheap, and it was created by my two boys!
We’ve been feeling a little cooped up here after months of sub zero temperatures and snow, and my little guys are always cooking up a new way of burning through that kindergarten/preschool energy – whether it’s wrestling around in the living room or playing with couch cushions.
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But this week, they came up with a really creative game and showed their mama that kick boards are not only for learning how to swim! They came up from the basement the other day with a handful of dollar store kick boards, a balloon, and a ball in tow. You can also find kick boards for kids here.
First, we played with the ball – a little variation of baseball with me pitching and them batting with their kick boards. Then, we switched places and they pitched to me. They loved practicing fielding grounders and trying to catch the pop flies!
Then, we played a little kick board tennis with the balloon, trying to see how long we could keep it in the air!
Bonus #1 – Midline crossing! The kids kept two hands on their kick boards at all times, so when they swung to get the ball or balloon on one side or the other, they were getting great practice with crossing the midline of their bodies.
Bonus #2 – Great practice with visual motor integration and motor control, as kids have to follow the ball or balloon with their eyes and then time their movements just right to bat it with their kick board!
Bonus #3 – When they hit the ball or balloon with the kick board it makes an awesome “SMACK!” sound…encouraging them to keep coming back for more!
Do you have any fun and unique ways to use toys or household objects to promote motor development in kids? We’d love to hear them! Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!
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