Category: Well-Being

Developing coordination in kids is important for several reasons. Coordination is the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently and is essential for many physical activities. Good coordination can help kids perform better in sports and other physical activities, and can also improve their balance, posture, and overall health.

In addition, coordination is closely linked to other skills, such as problem-solving and fine motor skills, and can help kids develop these skills as well. Overall, developing coordination in kids can help them lead active, healthy, and successful lives.

What is poor coordination in a child?

Poor coordination in a child can manifest in various ways, such as clumsiness, difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills (such as writing or using scissors), or difficulty with activities that require coordination between the hands, feet, and eyes (such as catching a ball or playing sports).

Children with poor coordination may also have difficulty with balance and posture, and may be more prone to accidents or injuries. If a child is experiencing poor coordination, it is important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Main causes of lack of coordination in kids

There are many potential causes of poor coordination in kids. Some possible causes include:

• Developmental delays: Some kids may have developmental delays that affect their coordination. Developmental delays are common in children with conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy.

• Sensory processing disorders: Kids with sensory processing disorders may have difficulty processing sensory information, such as touch, sound, or sight. This can lead to poor coordination.

• Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain injury, or cerebral palsy, can affect the brain’s ability to control the body’s movements, leading to poor coordination.

• Muscular dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that affect the muscles, leading to weakness and poor coordination.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Kids with ADHD may have difficulty with coordination due to their impulsivity and inattention.

• Lack of practice or exposure to coordination-building activities: Kids who do not have the opportunity to practice and develop their coordination through activities such as sports, dance, or play may have poor coordination.

14 activities to build coordination in kids

Climbing

Climbing on a climbing wall or a climbing dome can help kids develop strength, coordination, and balance as they navigate the various routes and obstacles. Here is a list of outdoor climbing playsets you might want to check out.

A climbing dome can help develop coordination in kids by providing them with a fun and engaging way to improve their balance, flexibility, and strength. As they climb and maneuver around the dome, they will need to use their body in new and challenging ways, which can help improve their overall coordination.

Additionally, climbing can also improve a child’s problem-solving skills and spatial awareness, both of which are important for coordination. Here’s climbing dome overview to give you a better idea of the types of dome available today.

Playing Catch

Playing catch with a ball or other object can help kids develop hand-eye coordination and coordination between the hands and body.

Juggling

Juggling involves tossing and catching objects, which can help kids develop coordination between the hands and eyes.

Playing Sports

Sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis require coordination between the hands, feet, and eyes, and can help kids develop these skills.

Doing Puzzles

Puzzles require kids to use their hands and eyes to put the pieces together, which can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Playing a Musical Instrument

Playing a musical instrument involves coordinating the hands, fingers, and mouth to produce music.  This can help develop coordination and fine motor skills.

Dancing

Dancing involves moving the body in coordinated ways to music, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Skipping

Skipping involves coordinating the arms and legs in a rhythmic pattern, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Hula Hooping

Hula hooping involves rotating the hips and waist in a circular motion, which can help develop coordination and core strength.

Riding a Bike

Biking involves coordinating the pedaling motion with the movement of the bike, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Using Scissors

Using scissors to cut paper or other materials requires coordination between the hands and fingers, which can help develop fine motor skills.

Swimming

Swimming involves coordinating the movement of the arms and legs to propel the body through the water. It can help develop coordination and strength.

Hopscotch

Playing hopscotch involves jumping and hopping in a specific pattern, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Building Blocks

Playing with building blocks involves fitting the blocks together in different configurations, which can help develop coordination and problem-solving skills.

Theories Behind the Importance Of Play

All the activities mentioned here involve a level of play and recreation. To better understand this connection, here are some theories that can bring the role of play in child development to light:

Piaget’s theory of play

Jean Piaget believed play is essential for cognitive development. He divided play into four stages:

• Sensorimotor play: This occurs in the first two years of life and involves babies and toddlers exploring their world through their senses.

• Pretend play: It begins around age two and involves children pretending to be someone or something else.

• Games with rules: This type of play begins around age four and involves children following rules and working with others.

Contests and games of chance

This starts around age seven and involves children competing with others or taking risks.

Vygotsky’s theory of play

Lev Vygotsky believed that play is a social activity that helps children learn and develop. He argued that children learn by interacting with their environment and other people. Play provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and experiment.

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development

Erik Erikson believed that play helps children develop a sense of self and their place in the world. He divided psychosocial development into eight stages, each associated with a specific crisis or challenge. Play can help children resolve these challenges and develop a healthy sense of self.

Montessori’s theory of play

Maria Montessori believed play is the child’s work. She argued that it’s essential for children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The Montessori theory of play seeks to emulate this child-centered environment to empower kids to have their own learning styles.

If your child has poor coordination, consider working with experts to utilize these activities to further their growth.

School administrators consider safety a priority for the school’s students and staff. They ensure that students have a safe environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Similarly, teachers must feel safe while at work. That’s because emergencies can happen in schools even during school hours.

Unfortunately, there’s no way one can predict when fires, earthquakes, or intrusions can occur. As such, the best thing school administration officers can do is to implement stringent safety and security measures.

While it’s considered a standard to have security measures up in place in many learning institutions, it’s still worth taking a look at how else you can improve your school’s safety. That said, here are seven security measures you can consider:

Streamline School Access Process

While you want to keep intruders out of the school, you must also ensure authorized individuals can quickly gain access to the premises. This means students, teachers, other school staff, and authorized visitors don’t need to jump through hoops just to enter or exit the school grounds. You can easily police the flow of people by limiting access to the designated entry and egress points.

For example, you can issue digital cards in personalized lanyards to authorized people so they have access to entry points or areas that needs to be secure. These access control cards can also serve as school identification and can log students, staff, and visitors’ attendance and the time they entered the premises.

Install a Monitoring System

Aside from limiting access to only authorized individuals, it’s also a good idea to monitor all access points through security cameras. Installing security cameras in entry and exit points and secured areas provides you with visual references of who comes in and out of the building. Also, be mindful of the placement of security cameras so you can fully take advantage of them.

Place the security cameras at all entry points to the school whether they’re high-traffic or low-traffic areas such as main entrances, fire exits, and other access points. Then, have a security staff member monitor the videos and keep the video recordings for at least 30 days. The recordings can be reviewed in case of incidents.

Enhance Communication System

Having a public address (PA) system in place is very useful for regular and emergency communications. It’s easier to call the attention of specific individuals during busy class hours as well as announce important reminders to everyone in school. During emergencies like fires and earthquakes, the PA system can help guide staff and students on what to do.

Aside from the PA system, you also need to consider how students or teachers in classrooms can communicate with other staff during a crisis. If, for example, there’s a medical emergency, the staff’s mobile phones can be very helpful in getting immediate assistance. Alternatively, distress alarms can be just as handy. These aren’t like fire alarms that inform the fire department but are silent alarms that call for help. If this is something you’re considering, factor in where the alarm will be heard and who will be the responders. It’s also a good idea if the distress alarm can communicate where the emergency is happening so responders will be able to reach the location quickly.

Keep the School’s Exterior Well-Lit

Another way to improve school security is keeping the exterior well-lit. It can maintain the visibility of students and school staff during school hours. Additional illumination can also help identify individuals who are on the school premises. As such, it’s important to switch on basic exterior lights in the evening, especially at the different access points. It can help deter potential intruders and make them more identifiable in security videos should they do anything malicious.

Secure the School’s Perimeter

One additional way to protect your students and staff is to secure the school’s perimeter. Schools may consider enhancing their perimeter fencing with durable materials such as Western Red Cedar for improved safety. For instance, utilizing quality fencing options like those available at Big Tex can contribute to a secure and visually appealing school environment.

Ensure gates to the playground are secure and install security doors and windows on the school.  Security screens on windows make it more difficult for potential intruders to break the glass, while maintaining visibility outside.

Image by pch.vector on Freepik

Proper Storage of Chemicals and Flammable Materials

Ensuring the proper storage of hazardous chemicals and flammable materials is a critical aspect of maintaining school safety. Science labs and custodial closets often house substances that can pose significant risks if mishandled. These materials should be stored in designated areas that meet safety standards, such as locked cabinets or specialized storage units. Cabinets must be clearly labeled and separated by chemical type to prevent reactions. Additionally, flammable materials should be kept away from heat sources or ignition points and stored in flame-resistant containers. Regular inspections are essential to identify and address any potential hazards, such as leaks or expired chemicals.

Staff training is another key element of chemical safety in schools. Teachers, custodians, and any personnel handling these substances should be educated on proper handling and storage techniques, as well as emergency procedures. Clearly posted safety protocols, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can further reduce risks. By taking these precautions, schools create a safer environment for students and staff, minimizing the likelihood of accidents or dangerous exposures.

Train the Students and School Staff about Emergency Procedures

Another method to improve school safety is by educating students and school staff about the different emergency procedures you have in place. Informing them of plans for various scenarios such as earthquakes, fires, or in case of attacks can help everyone know what to do during such an event. School staff also become aware of their responsibilities should emergencies arise.

It’s also a good idea to conduct training and emergency drills so everyone can practice the necessary procedures and be more familiar with them. Additionally, regularly review the emergency plans and remind everyone. You can either choose to educate them at the start of each semester as this is the time you may have new students or staff joining.

While it not mandatory in many jobs, learning first aid skills and even CPR can save lives until professional help arrives. Consider offering free instruction for teachers who wish to learn these techniques, not only for the children in their schools, but their loves ones at home.

Implementing security measures ensures that your school is a safe place for students and teachers alike. But you shouldn’t just stop there. Continuously look for improvements so you can be prepared for different emergencies and potential threats. Consider the suggestions mentioned above and prioritize the safety and welfare of every person inside its premises.

Does Your School Have an Emergency Plan?

Watch the video on emergency preparedness:

Winter break may not seem like a long time, but it’s long enough to make the first days of the new semester feel like a chore. It takes a minute for students to get back into the groove of things, but it is possible to make the transition smooth for everyone. Here are some tips to make school exciting after winter break.

Open the Floor

Remember what it was like when you came back from winter break? You saw your friends and wanted to get caught up on everything. Don’t shut your students down immediately and force them to get back to work.

Give them time to socialize with their friends so they can get it out of their system. Better yet, consider allowing each student to present their favorite part of winter break in front of the class. Sharing gives them time to ask their classmates questions and brag about their exciting vacations.

Set Goals

With the new year comes new goals. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Instruct your students to clean out their desks. You should do the same before starting class. Come in early or stay late to hang up new decorations.

Consider making a poster board and putting all your students’ names on it. Direct them to write one personal and one academic goal they wish to achieve by the end of the school year. Make a learning objective board for the academic goals. Your students can return the next day with their goals.

Plan Something Exciting

Students returning from winter break need something to look forward to, and that’s where you come in. Plan something big academically so they work hard towards it. A class project is always a great idea, but you can take it a step further and ask the other teachers for their time if they also wish to get their students involved.

It can either be a competition or something a group effort. Projects like launching model rockets are always fun with the right amount of education. Follow the proper procedures to avoid common mistakes when launching. This is a great way to kick off the new semester with a bang.

Review Academic Expectations

With all the fun and excitement, you still need to keep your students grounded and get back to the basics. Start class with a quick review of academic expectations. They had a significant amount of time away from school, so they may have forgotten specific routines.

Remind your kids of these procedures and routines that effectively support a positive learning environment. Don’t worry if you spend an entire class on this task. Reteaching these expectations will anchor your students while fostering their need to learn and grow.

School was exciting before your students went on winter break, and you can make it exciting when they come back just by following these tips.

The game of Scrabble has been around for over seventy years and is still enjoyed by millions of people the world over. It’s a simple game, but one that can be extremely strategic, providing hours of fun for all players. Why has Scrabble has been so successful? Here are some reasons why it’s one of the most brilliant games with friends!

 The History of Scrabble

Scrabble was created in 1938 by Dr. Alfred Butts, a student at the University of Cambridge. Butts and his friends were looking for an easy game to play while drinking beers outdoors, and they came up with the idea of creating a board game that consisted of 26 tiles. The tiles were originally designed to spell words, but over time people began to create more complex boards and games were born.

The popularity of Scrabble grew rapidly, and in 1949 Butts sold the rights to the game to a company called J.W. Spear & Sons Ltd. In 1963, Milton Bradley Company acquired Spear & Sons Ltd., and they continue to manufacture Scrabble today.

The Many Variations of Scrabble

There are many variations of Scrabble available today, including Junior Scrabble, Word Scraper, Crossword scraper, and even a board game called Crokinole! Each variation has its own set of rules and is designed for a specific audience (e.g., Junior Scrabble is meant for children aged 6-10).

The Importance of Vocabulary in Scrabble

One of the main reasons why Scrabble has been so popular over the years is that it is incredibly challenging and fun to play with friends.

What Makes Scrabble So Good?

There Are Many Ways To Play

Unlike other games where players must follow a set pattern in order to win, Scrabble allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility. Players can create their own scrabble words and strategies, making the game infinitely replayable. There’s virtually no way to lose, which makes it an excellent game to play with friends.

It’s Relatively Easy To Learn But Difficult To Master

Scrabble is one of the easiest games to learn, but it can be quite challenging to become a skilled player. The rules are simple enough that even beginners can understand them, but complex enough that experts will have a lot of fun playing them. This makes it both accessible and exciting for all kinds of players.

It Can Be Played Anywhere And With Anyone

No matter where you are or who you’re with, you can always enjoy a game of Scrabble. The game is portable and easy to play, so it can be enjoyed anywhere there are people willing to play. Plus, because the rules are so simple, even children can easily enjoy the game without feeling intimidated or lost.

 How Do You Play Scrabble?

Scrabble is a board game, as well as a popular word game, that can be played with two to four players, and it is considered one of the most brilliant games with friends. The object of the game is to get all of your tiles off the board while blocking your opponents from doing the same. There are several ways to play Scrabble, but the most common way to play is with Wordsmiths. Wordsmiths are players who know how to use all the letters in Scrabble, which gives them an advantage over other players. There are also Noobs who don’t know how to use all the letters in Scrabble, and they have to learn as they go along.

Another way to play Scrabble is with Crosswords. Crosswords are similar to Scrabble because they both require players to use all of their tiles and they both have a word list. However, Crosswords usually have more squares on the grid than Scrabble does, so it takes a bit longer for a player to make their move.

There is also trivia night, where players can compete against each other by answering questions about different aspects of Scrabble. Finally, there is always the option for people to host their own tournaments where everyone can come and compete for prizes.

Best Friends and Scrabble: Why It’s So Brilliant

• It’s a social game that can be played by anyone, regardless of age or language barriers.
• There’s something about the mental challenge of scrabble that is just really satisfying.
• You can always make new friends by playing scrabble together!
• It’s a great way to stay active and keep your brain active – which is great for your health!
• Scrabble is also a great way to bond with your family and friends – it can be fun for everyone in the family!
• It never gets old – you can always pick up the game and play it again, no matter how long ago you last played it!

Conclusion

Scrabble has been around for over 100 years, and it is still one of the most popular board games with friends. There are many reasons why this game is so fun and engaging: the strategic gameplay, the different word choices, and the ability to build relationships over time make Scrabble a favorite pastime for many people. Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable way to spend some quality time with your friends or you need a new challenge in your life, give Scrabble a try – you won’t regret it!