The development of motor coordination in children is an extremely important aspect of early education and upbringing. Motor coordination—often also referred to as “psychomotor coordination”—is the ability to perform movements in a harmonious and coordinated way. In other words, it is the skill of controlling one’s body so that movements are smooth, purposeful, and appropriately adapted to the situation. The following article aims to explain why practicing motor coordination is so important and to offer practical tips on how to support your child in this process. At TEQUESTA International Preschool & Daycare of Warsaw, we have been accompanying our Little Ones in their physical, intellectual, and emotional development for many years. Thanks to this, we know perfectly well that working on motor coordination from an early age brings countless benefits for a child.
What is motor coordination and why is it important?
Motor coordination involves a range of abilities—including balance, agility, and rapid response to external stimuli. It is closely linked to the development of the nervous system and to sensory integration (i.e., the ability to receive and properly process sensory stimuli such as visual, auditory, or tactile). A well-developed motor coordination translates into:
- Smooth learning of daily activities
Children with good coordination more easily learn to feed themselves, get dressed, or brush their teeth independently. Tasks like buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, or using cutlery become less problematic. - Better academic performance
Proper development of the nervous system and motor coordination indirectly affects the ability to concentrate and absorb knowledge. It has been noted that children with well-developed motor coordination often perform better at school—both in terms of academic results and social skills. - Lower risk of injury
A child who can smoothly coordinate movements will regain balance faster and avoid unfortunate falls or injuries. They also learn correct posture, which is important in preventing spinal problems. - Greater self-confidence
Sporting successes and mastering new physical skills give a child a sense of agency and strengthen their belief in their own capabilities.
At TEQUESTA, as an international preschool, we believe in a holistic approach to child development. We focus not only on language learning but also on the harmonious physical and emotional development of our students. Therefore, from the earliest years, children can benefit from stimulating exercises that prepare them for further education in the best international schools.
Exercises to support motor coordination
1. Balance games
- Walking along a line
Simply draw a line with chalk (e.g., on the sidewalk) or lay out a piece of string on the floor. Ask the child to try walking along it, placing one foot directly behind the other. At first, you can hold their hand so they feel more secure, and later encourage them to try on their own. - Balancing with blocks or a plank
If you have a stable plank and a few blocks at home, you can create a simple “balance beam.” Children love challenges and, at the same time, learn how to balance their bodies—an activity that greatly influences coordination.
2. Outdoor movement games
- Hopping on one foot
This simple activity develops a sense of balance and coordination. You can introduce an element of competition—who can maintain this position longer or make the most hops? - Throwing and catching a ball
This activity teaches the synchronization of hand and eye movements (often referred to as hand-eye coordination). Over time, you can make it more difficult—by throwing the ball from a greater distance, changing its size, or using balls of different hardness. - Obstacle course
Building simple obstacle courses where the child has to jump over barriers, crawl under them, or weave between cones develops endurance, dexterity, and quick reactions.
3. Dance and movement games at home
- Dancing to music
Turn on the child’s favorite songs and encourage them to move in any way they like. Children get to know different rhythms, learn fluidity of movement, and develop creativity at the same time. - Exercises with an elastic band or skipping rope
Jumping with an elastic band (a classic playground activity) or a skipping rope trains the coordination of legs and arms. It is also an excellent form of activity that strengthens muscles.
4. Fine motor skills and supporting precision of movement
- Collage, painting, molding with modeling clay
These activities develop what is known as fine motor skills—i.e., the precision of hand and finger movements. At a later stage of a child’s life, this ability translates, among other things, into neat handwriting. - Pouring and transferring
This game consists of pouring different dry products (like rice or groats) from one container to another or transferring water between containers. It requires caution and focus, which is great for training hand-eye coordination.
How to support motor coordination development on a daily basis?
- Introduce regular routines
A consistent dose of physical activity—whether through walking, dancing, or movement games—promotes systematic motor coordination development. It’s important that the child has a daily opportunity to engage in physical activity suited to their age and abilities. - Encourage independence
At TEQUESTA, we support children in learning self-care from an early age. Allow your Little One to set the table, prepare a simple snack, or tidy up their toys. These everyday tasks perfectly train motor coordination and teach responsibility. - Ensure freedom of movement
Especially in the first years of a child’s life, it is worth letting them explore their surroundings as naturally as possible. Try to avoid premature “sitting” or restricting movement in tight clothing or in a stroller for long hours. - Avoid excessive pressure
Every child develops at their own pace. It’s best not to compare them to their peers, but instead to focus on regular support and noticing their progress. - Seek advice from specialists
If you notice your child has clear difficulties with motor coordination, it’s worth consulting a pediatrician or physical therapist. Early intervention and properly selected exercises can significantly improve a child’s quality of life and prevent more serious problems in the future.
The role of preschool in shaping motor coordination
At TEQUESTA International Preschool & Daycare of Warsaw, we place great emphasis on helping our Pupils develop in a multifaceted way. We encourage children to participate in various forms of physical activity—outdoor sports, dancing, as well as activities that require precision of movement, such as arts and crafts. Our staff, composed of international teachers, draws inspiration from a variety of cultures and educational methods, allowing us to continually develop our proprietary programs and introduce new, exciting exercises.
This way, children do not just learn English naturally, but also develop their personalities and social skills. Group activities foster integration, teach cooperation, and encourage mutual support. All this takes place in an atmosphere of joy, acceptance, and safety—so crucial in the first years of life. Thanks to our experienced staff, we can adapt exercises to each child’s individual needs and abilities. Our goal is to foster curiosity and creativity, as well as to ensure that Little Ones have a strong foundation for further education in the best international schools.
Our suggestion…
Motor coordination is the foundation of many aspects of a child’s development—from self-care skills to maintaining balance and concentration, all the way to building self-confidence. Exercises that support coordination can be easily integrated into daily life, both through simple games at home and through activities organized at preschool.
At TEQUESTA, we believe that the basis for effective learning and development is an atmosphere of kindness, mutual respect, and openness to cultural diversity. That is why we place so much emphasis on physical exercise, educational play, and strengthening relationships within the group. Thanks to our holistic approach, our Pupils make giant steps every day towards being able to thrive in the best and most demanding school environments in the future.
We wish you success in discovering new ideas for games that support your child’s motor coordination. Remember that every small step forward—be it learning to walk along a line or hopping on one foot—is a valuable part of a child’s path to comprehensive development. We hope our tips prove helpful and inspire you to incorporate even more movement into your Little Ones’ daily routine. If you have additional questions or need further advice, we invite you to contact our team at TEQUESTA International Preschool & Daycare of Warsaw. Together, we will ensure that every Little Explorer grows up to be a confident, passionate, and open-minded Human Being!
