Neuropsychological exercises have long been used worldwide. Child specialists and parents with young children believe them. Regular performance of these exercises allows for increased stress resilience, synchronization of the hemispheres, and stimulation of cognitive activity.
The ideal age to start performing these tasks is 5. At this age, children begin actively preparing for school, learning writing skills, becoming acquainted with reading, and memorizing poems. We have prepared a list of simple exercises that can facilitate mastering new information.
The ideal age to start performing these tasks is 5. At this age, children begin actively preparing for school, learning writing skills, becoming acquainted with reading, and memorizing poems. We have prepared a list of simple exercises that can facilitate mastering new information.
- Colors and Shapes: Ask the child to name the color of an object or its shape. For example, "What color is the apple?" or "What is drawn in the picture - a square or a circle?";
- Counting: Ask the child to count from 1 to 10 and back, then complicate the task by adding numbers or changing the order;
- Different Objects: Lay out objects of various sizes, colors, and shapes before the child. Ask them to identify the ones that are different from the others;
- Attention Development: Ask the child to find and mark all objects of a specific color or shape in a picture or to find a particular item while on a walk;
- Constructing Simple Sentences: Ask the child to explain their actions using simple sentences.
Some of these exercises are perfect for walks and car trips. Children will happily talk about what is happening outside the window or count cars of a specific color. This way, the travel time will fly quickly and benefit the child.
To this list, we should add exercises from neurodynamic gymnastics:
"Lazy Eights"
Ask the child to mentally "draw" a horizontal figure-eight (the infinity sign) in the air so that the figure itself is at eye level and its "waist" is approximately opposite the bridge of the nose. The drawing should be done with an outstretched arm, slightly bent at the elbow. The index finger is extended, and the rest are folded into a fist. The direction of movement is always upwards.
First, the child tries to "draw" with one hand three times, then with the other. Next, the hands are clasped, and the exercise is repeated with both hands simultaneously. The movements when drawing the "eights" should be smooth and gentle.
Regular performance of this exercise is beneficial for the eyes.
"Elephant"
This exercise helps improve neck flexibility and hearing and stimulates the simultaneous work of both brain hemispheres.
If the child finds it difficult, you can first visualize figure eight by drawing it life-size on a poster and placing it on the wall.
"Owl"
It is an excellent exercise that helps improve memory, speech, and mathematical abilities.
Interestingly, you should train the right side as often as possible to develop the left hemisphere and vice versa.
"Happy Monkeys"
It is an excellent exercise for kids with reading and writing difficulties.
"Homolateral Steps"
It is an exercise that is perfect for activating the brain areas responsible for logic and counting.
It is easy to perform: ask the child to march in place. The key alternately lifts the knee and stretches the elbow towards the raised knee. The slower the exercise is performed, the more effective it is. With a proper approach by parents, the exercises will be a valuable tool for stimulating thinking, memory, and the ability to reason. They will also improve mood, boost self-confidence, and provide energy.
Follow a few simple recommendations and enjoy the results with the whole family:
To this list, we should add exercises from neurodynamic gymnastics:
"Lazy Eights"
Ask the child to mentally "draw" a horizontal figure-eight (the infinity sign) in the air so that the figure itself is at eye level and its "waist" is approximately opposite the bridge of the nose. The drawing should be done with an outstretched arm, slightly bent at the elbow. The index finger is extended, and the rest are folded into a fist. The direction of movement is always upwards.
First, the child tries to "draw" with one hand three times, then with the other. Next, the hands are clasped, and the exercise is repeated with both hands simultaneously. The movements when drawing the "eights" should be smooth and gentle.
Regular performance of this exercise is beneficial for the eyes.
"Elephant"
This exercise helps improve neck flexibility and hearing and stimulates the simultaneous work of both brain hemispheres.
- Stand with legs slightly bent at the knees;
- Extend one arm forward, place your head on the shoulder of that arm, and look into the distance;
- Now, make rotational movements with the upper body as if the child wants to draw a "lazy eight" from the center;
- Then, repeat the exercise with the other arm in the opposite direction.
If the child finds it difficult, you can first visualize figure eight by drawing it life-size on a poster and placing it on the wall.
"Owl"
It is an excellent exercise that helps improve memory, speech, and mathematical abilities.
- Use the left hand to make a sort of "grip" on the muscles of the right shoulder;
- Now turn your head to look back over your left shoulder, take a breath, keeping the shoulders straight;
- Then lower your chin to your chest, take a breath, and relax your shoulders;
- After that, repeat the exercise on the other side.
Interestingly, you should train the right side as often as possible to develop the left hemisphere and vice versa.
"Happy Monkeys"
It is an excellent exercise for kids with reading and writing difficulties.
- Use the left hand to hold the tip of your nose;
- At the same time, use the right hand to grab the opposite ear;
- Simultaneously release the ear and nose;
- Clap your hands;
- Change the position of the hands and repeat.
"Homolateral Steps"
It is an exercise that is perfect for activating the brain areas responsible for logic and counting.
It is easy to perform: ask the child to march in place. The key alternately lifts the knee and stretches the elbow towards the raised knee. The slower the exercise is performed, the more effective it is. With a proper approach by parents, the exercises will be a valuable tool for stimulating thinking, memory, and the ability to reason. They will also improve mood, boost self-confidence, and provide energy.
Follow a few simple recommendations and enjoy the results with the whole family:
- Dedicate about 5-10 minutes to gymnastics.
- Exercise every day. If you lack the energy, desire, or time, it's better to do less but do it well.
- The exercises are not tied to specific circumstances, so do them anywhere: at home and in the yard, during trips, and while resting.
- Depending on the child's abilities, you can complicate the tasks, for example, by increasing the execution speed, but remember quality.
- Each exercise must be performed accurately and correctly.
- Create workouts from 5-6 different tasks to keep the child's interest alive.