Let's Learn to Move and Build (6-8)

As children get older they will be expected to use their visuospatial skills mentally to solve problems. Visuospatial skills refer to the ability to identify the relationships between objects and manipulate them to fit certain spatial dimensions. At this point it will still be important for them to practice them physically. Here are some ways to do this:

• Set up obstacle courses for your children to explore. Use whatever is available, a swing set, couch cushions, toys, etc. It is important to provide a variety of tasks for your children to complete (run, jump, roll a ball etc.) Involve your child in the building process, to help them develop creativity and critical thinking skills.

• Give them blocks or other materials and let them build things.

• Play Simon Says with them

• Ask them to complete the second half of a picture

Even though these activities are important and helpful, one of the most important things you can do is talk to children about what they experience and do things with them.