Free Visual Motor and Motor Planning Puzzle
Your students will enjoy this challenging, free Visual Motor and Motor Planning Puzzle. It is a unique way to support these essential skills in a fun and engaging way. You can find the free one-page puzzle at the bottom of this post. This freebie is from the complete Crossing Paths packet.
WHAT ARE VISUAL MOTOR SKILLS
Visual motor skills refer to the ability to coordinate visual information with physical movements. These skills are necessary for tasks like:
- Handwriting and drawing.
- Copying shapes or letters from the board.
- Catching or kicking a ball.
- Using scissors and other fine motor activities.
Students rely on these skills to translate what they see into an action. Weaknesses in visual motor integration can make tasks in school and everyday life more challenging.
WHAT IS MOTOR PLANNING
Motor planning, also known as praxis, is the process of planning and executing a sequence of physical movements. It involves:
- Thinking ahead to determine the steps needed to complete a task.
- Organizing and sequencing movements in the correct order.
- Adjusting movements as needed while performing the task.
Motor planning skills are essential for learning new activities, from tying shoes to navigating through a classroom, and are especially important for problem-solving physical tasks like the Visual Motor and Motor Planning Puzzle.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE VISUAL MOTOR AND MOTOR PLANNING PUZZLE
This unique puzzle combines visual perceptual skills with motor planning. To complete the Visual Motor and Motor Planning Puzzle, follow these steps:
- Begin at the car.
- Connect the numbers in numerical order (1 to 5) without crossing over any lines or objects.
- Plan your route carefully to avoid crossing over lines.
- Practice with your finger first if needed, then use a pencil to complete the puzzle.
This puzzle challenges students to think ahead and solve the problem without backtracking or making mistakes.
HOW VISUAL MOTOR AND MOTOR PLANNING SKILLS HELP STUDENTS IN SCHOOL
Visual motor integration and motor planning are critical skills that assist students with tasks like handwriting, drawing, and navigating their environment. Developing these skills can:
- Improve hand-eye coordination.
- Boost problem-solving abilities.
- Enhance fine motor control needed for classroom tasks.
- Strengthen spatial awareness, helping students follow directions and organize their work.
MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES ON VISUAL PERCEPTUAL SKILLS
If you’re looking for additional ways to support students with visual perceptual skills, check out these helpful resources:
- Visual Perception Activities Free Printables
- Visual Discrimination Worksheets Free PDF
- 10 Free Visual Spatial Printables
- Visual Motor Activities
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PUZZLE HERE
Download the Free Visual Motor and Motor Planning Puzzle below to get started!