In today’s screen-filled world, helping kids develop strong visual tracking skills in preschool is more important than ever. Visual tracking—the ability to smoothly follow a moving object with their eyes—is a foundational skill that hasn't always received the attention it deserves in early education.
Screens are everywhere, and while they’re engaging and fun, they might actually be hindering children's ability to track objects with their eyes.
This video shows that lots of kids are finding it tricky to track things with their eyes when they're young. And guess what? Screens might be part of the reason why.
So, why should we care about this in preschool? Well, screens like phones and tablets are all around kids these days. They're cool and fun, but they might be stopping kids from getting better at watching things move with their eyes.
Here’s why visual tracking matters in preschool:
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Understanding Visual Tracking Challenges: Some kids find it difficult to follow moving objects with their eyes, often losing focus or getting bored quickly. Recognising these challenges early allows teachers to support these children more effectively.
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Using Mazes to Enhance Spatial Awareness: Mazes are not just fun—they help kids improve their understanding of space and how to navigate it, which is essential for reading and other learning tasks.
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Supporting Kids with Dyspraxia: Children with dyspraxia or other spatial challenges need targeted activities to help them better understand and navigate space.
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Strengthening Memory with Step-by-Step Tasks: Visual tracking is closely linked to memory. By engaging in tasks that require following steps in sequence, children can improve both their tracking and memory skills.
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Incorporating Fun Games to Boost Tracking and Memory: Games like ‘Simon Says’ and matching activities aren’t just entertaining—they’re great for boosting visual tracking and memory in young learners.
Helping kids develop their visual tracking skills early sets them up for future success. That’s why our "Reading with Confidence" course starts with a strong focus on visual tracking as a key component of pre-reading development.
Access the printable resources here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g8q5IXpXoxOL61skgck4J6c-kOiAwpYd?usp=drive_link
Want to learn more?
Our course offers practical activities and insights to help every child enhance their visual tracking skills. Sign up today and get a head start on building these essential skills in your preschoolers. Plus, when you sign up now, you’ll receive our complimentary Sensori-Motor Reading Program—an invaluable resource for supporting your child’s development.
