Crossing the Midline: What It Is and Easy Activities for Kids
By the BeasyBuds team · · 5 min read
In short
Crossing the midline means reaching across the imaginary line down the centre of the body, for example the right hand working on the left side, or the eyes moving smoothly across a page. Easy activities include figure-eight tracing, cross-crawl marching, passing a ball around the waist and dot-trail sheets that zig-zag across the page.
What does crossing the midline mean?
Draw an imaginary line from your child's nose to their belly button. Any time a hand, foot or the eyes move across that line, they are crossing the midline.
It shows up when writing across a page, reading a line of text, catching a ball on the other side, or putting on a sock.
Activities to practise it
- Lazy eights: trace a large figure-eight on paper or in the air
- Cross-crawl: opposite elbow to opposite knee
- Ball around the waist and between the legs
- Dot trails that zig-zag from one side to the other
- Point to a colour on a ring with one hand and copy the hand sign with the other
Making it a habit
Short daily practice works best. Pick one activity, do it for about 10 minutes, and gradually make it harder by going faster or swapping hands.
Frequently asked questions
Why is crossing the midline important?
It helps both sides of the body work together, which children use for writing, reading, dressing and sport.
Which BeasyBuds sheets practise crossing the midline?
Infinity Finger Count, Dot Trail & Hand Signs, Hand Sign Hexagons and Cross-Hand Colour Tap.
BeasyBuds activities are playful practice that supports development. They are not therapy or medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's development, please speak to a paediatrician or therapist.
