Eye-hand coordination requires the eyes to direct the location and the hands to complete the task. For some children, getting the eyes to direct the hands creates a challenge. The two exercises described below will help children gain better control.


Horizontal Figure Eight

Trace over an 8” x 11” sideways figure eight to reinforce eye-hand coordination. Trace the figure eight five times with each hand and five times with hands together.

Beginning in the center of the eight, trace up and to the left. After completing the left side of the figure eight, trace up and to the right. Complete the right side of the figure eight at the midpoint.


Double Doodling

Take a student with weak eye-hand development to the chalkboard and guide an exercise called Double Doodling. To do Double Doodling, place each of your hands on top of the student’s hands. Guide the child’s hands to draw a series of lines and circles. Make certain all movements are symmetrical. Continue by using a variety of movements. See the following example.

pull down to center		up		pull down to center
	Left Hand		Right Hand