Читать книгу Fun Start: An idea a week to maximize your baby’s potential from birth to age 5 - June Oberlander R. - Страница 64

 eye-hand coordination

 tactile sensation (feel of the ball)

 following directions

 association of different uses for one object, the ball

 language development by listening to words used during the activity

Obtain a cloth ball if possible, although a rubber ball will suffice for this activity. The ball should be about 15 centimetres in diameter. This size is recommended so that the child can easily hold the ball with both hands. The cloth ball is soft and is easier for a child to grab and control.

Sit with the child on a smooth non-carpeted area and roll the ball a short distance to the child. Observe to see if the child watches the ball, or does she attempt to stop the ball? Talk to the child and encourage her to catch the ball as it is rolled to her. Continue to do this until the child loses interest. Repeat this activity often to develop skill in watching and receiving a ball. Praise the child whenever she responds positively.

Once the child is comfortable in watching and receiving a ball, encourage the child to roll the ball back to you. Much practice is needed to ensure a straight aim or roll. To accomplish this, place books on each side of the ball’s path, or use long blocks, a broom or a mop for boundaries. At first, encourage the child to use both hands to roll the ball. Gradually, the child will develop skill and will be able to roll a ball successfully with one hand.

A homemade tunnel can easily be made with a corrugated box by cutting an opening on opposite sides of the box. A table, chair or building block tunnel may also be used for the child to roll the ball under. After the child is better coordinated, line up an empty plastic detergent bottle at the end of a controlled narrow path and encourage the child to use the ball to knock down the plastic bottle. Be sure to praise and encourage the child in a positive manner.

During a given week, be sure to repeat many of the activities that have been suggested in previous weeks. In this way, you help your child to develop confidence, security and also independence. Remember that young children need to repeat activities in order to build a sound foundation for learning.