Kicking a ball will be important for your child to participate in physical education classes, as well as with friends out in the school yard! The act of kicking also builds balance, strength, and coordination, which can be applied to many other skills as well. Practicing kicking a ball with your child will help to build their confidence.
If your child is having difficulties, start by using a larger, light weight ball to promote success! As your child improves, you can introduce different types of balls to challenge them.
Practice both with, and without a target. We want your child to be confident in this skill; it is more important they practice and have fun rather than be concerned about the accuracy of their kick!
Practice in the home with balloons! Tapping a balloon will help develop their hand-eye (and foot) coordination.
An important part of kicking a ball is being able to balance on one foot for the moments before the kick. Refer to the section standing on one foot for some activity suggestions that will improve balance, and kicking too!