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Hand-eye coordination begins during infancy through
providing infants with objects and colorful toys that will encourage them to
reach out and grasp them. By the age of 4-5 months infants can bring their
hands into their field of vision, and during toddlerhood further progress in
hand-eye coordination comes with the ability to see and grasp objects
accurately. They develop the "pincer grasp" during this time.
By three to four years of age children learn to handle
eating utensils and button small buttons.
By five years of age the child's hand-eye coordination is beginning to
advance as he approaches, grasps and releases objects with precision and
accuracy.
By six years of age the child's visual orientation changes
as they shift their gaze more frequently and follow the progress of objects
rather than staring at the object. By the time they reach school age through
middle childhood they make great advances in speed, timing and coordination of
hand-eye coordination.
Between the ages of three and six it is important to provide
as many opportunities for children to develop their hand-eye coordination. But, what to do when it rains, snows or gets
dark too early? Because visual feedback
is vital for fast and accurate hand movements it is important to allow children
to continue to develop their hand-eye coordination.
One great solution is a giant floor puzzle. These puzzles are very colorful, made of
large enough pieces to not harm the child if they put them in their mouth, and
provide an opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination while learning shapes
and patterns.
Over the years I have cared for many children, and I have
observed their behavior with floor puzzles.
I take the diagram of the completed puzzle and seal it in plastic so
they can refer to it without destroying it.
Children will spend a lot of time learning the puzzle, and once they do
they always want an adult to watch them and spend time with them putting the
puzzle together. When they are older
they will only put it together 2 or 3 times before losing interest, but they
always go back to it when bored indoors.
Safe and educational, giant floor puzzles make a great
indoor activity for when the weather keeps them indoors.
Can you afford to let your children just lay around and
watch television on those rainy, snowy days or dark nights? Wouldn't you enjoy an activity you can share
with your child that takes minutes but builds a lifetime of memories? Click here to find a great selection of
giant floor puzzles you and your family will really enjoy!
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