2-3 Manipulative Skills for Grade 2

What are Manipulative Skills?

Manipulative skills involve using your hands and body to control objects. These skills are important for activities like throwing, catching, kicking, and dribbling. Just like how you use your hands to build with blocks, manipulative skills help you interact with objects in various ways.

Throwing

Throwing is a manipulative skill that involves using your arm and hand to send an object through the air. Imagine you are playing catch with a ball. To throw, you need to grip the ball, pull your arm back, and then push it forward with force. This helps the ball travel to your friend. Think of throwing like a catapult; you pull back to store energy and then release to send the object flying.

Catching

Catching is the opposite of throwing. It involves using your hands to stop an object in motion. Imagine you are catching a ball thrown by your friend. To catch, you need to position your hands in front of you, keep your eyes on the ball, and use your fingers to grip the ball as it reaches you. Think of catching like a net; you need to be ready and open to receive the object.

Kicking

Kicking is a manipulative skill that involves using your foot to move an object. Imagine you are playing soccer and need to kick the ball into the goal. To kick, you need to position your foot behind the ball, swing your leg forward, and make contact with the ball. This helps the ball move in the direction you want. Think of kicking like a pendulum; you swing your leg back and then forward to create momentum.

Dribbling

Dribbling is a manipulative skill that involves moving an object, like a ball, while controlling it with your feet or hands. Imagine you are dribbling a basketball down the court. To dribble, you need to bounce the ball with control, keeping it close to your body. This helps you move with the ball without losing it. Think of dribbling like walking with a friend; you need to stay close and in sync.