I recently saw a child (7-year-old) who was having difficulties with handwriting, however when I completed the initial assessment, it was clear he could not consistently and readily cross his midline.
I thought it would be helpful to write about the importance of crossing the midline and give some suggestions on how to encourage your child to do this through fun activities.
Crossing the midline is a fundamental skill in child development. It refers to the ability to reach across the middle of the body with the arms and legs, crossing over to the opposite side. This skill is crucial for developing coordination, balance, and cognitive abilities.
Here’s a general timeline of when children typically learn to cross the midline:
Infancy (0-12 Months)
- 3-6 Months: Infants begin to reach for objects with both hands, but they do not yet cross the midline intentionally.
- 6-9 Months: Babies start to use their hands more independently and may begin to cross the midline while playing with toys.
Toddlerhood (1-3 Years)
- 12-18 Months: Toddlers begin to cross the midline more frequently during play, such as when reaching for toys with one hand.
- 18-24 Months: Crossing the midline becomes more intentional, and toddlers use this skill in activities like drawing and turning pages in a book.
Early Childhood (3-5 Years)
- 3 Years: By this age, children should be able to cross the midline with ease during most activities, such as reaching for objects, dressing, and playing.
- 4-5 Years: Children continue to refine their midline crossing skills, which become more fluid and integrated into complex tasks like writing and sports.
Here are the key signs of Midline Crossing Development
- Reaching Across the Body: The child uses one hand to reach across the body to grab objects on the opposite side.
- Drawing and Writing: The child can draw horizontal lines or circles that cross the middle of the paper.
- Physical Activities: The child engages in activities like clapping hands, high-fiving with one hand across the body, or playing with toys that encourage bilateral coordination.
Why Crossing the Midline is Important
- Coordination and Motor Skills: Crossing the midline helps children develop better coordination and motor skills. It integrates both sides of the brain, promoting bilateral coordination, which is necessary for activities like writing, cutting with scissors, and tying shoes.
- Cognitive Development: This skill is linked to cognitive functions such as reading and writing. When children cross the midline, they engage in tasks that require them to track from left to right, an essential component of reading.
- Physical Health: Proper development of midline crossing skills can prevent poor posture and physical discomfort. Children who struggle with this may exhibit awkward movements or avoid crossing the midline, impacting their overall physical health.
- Daily Activities: Everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, and playing sports require the ability to cross the midline. Developing this skill ensures that children can perform these activities efficiently and independently.
Suggested Activities from Occupational Therapy
Here are a few from the handout you can download:
- Windmill Exercises: Have the child stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended out to the sides. Ask them to touch their right hand to their left foot and then their left hand to their right foot, mimicking a windmill motion. This activity helps improve coordination and flexibility.
- Figure Eight Drawing: Provide the child with a large sheet of paper and a crayon. Ask them to draw large figure eights, encouraging them to cross the midline with each stroke. This activity enhances fine motor skills and visual tracking.
- Crawling Games: Set up an obstacle course that requires the child to crawl under and over various objects. Crawling encourages bilateral coordination and strengthens core muscles.
- Ball Tossing: Play a game of catch with the child, using different types of balls (e.g., softballs, beach balls). Encourage them to use both hands to throw and catch the ball, crossing the midline with each movement.
My Favourite Games
1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic: These encourage children to use both hands to place magnets, crossing the midline and developing fine motor skills.
2. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Building Set: This set promotes bilateral coordination as children use both hands to connect and manipulate gears.
3. B. toys – B. Whacky Ball – Pound a Ball Toy: This toy requires children to use a hammer to pound balls through holes, promoting hand-eye coordination and crossing the midline.
4. Hasbro Gaming Twister Game: This is excellent for crossing the whole body promoting gross motor skills.
Crossing the midline is a critical skill for children’s development, impacting their coordination, cognitive abilities, and daily activities. By incorporating specific activities and utilizing engaging games and products, parents and educators can support the development of this essential skill. Encouraging children to cross the midline not only helps them in their current developmental stage but also sets the foundation for future learning and physical health
When to Seek Help
If a child struggles with crossing the midline beyond age 4-5, it may be beneficial to consult an occupational therapist. Difficulties in this area can affect other developmental areas, including coordination, reading, and writing skills.
Here to support you every step of the way, Hayley Goodwin
