Purpose: To develop visually monitored understanding of the body image and laterality in action patterns.

Apparatus: Two flashlights, metronome/music.

Method:

1. Have the subject walk in a normal cross pattern movement, holding a flashlight in each hand. The flashlights should both be on.

2. Now have the subject shine the right hand light on his left foot as that foot steps forward, and then shine the left light upon the right foot as it steps forward. The subject should always be watching the forward foot. The arms should be moving freely, so they should be held slightly away from the body and not rub against the body or clothing.

3. When the walking pattern is relaxed and the lights are alternately placed on each foot accurately, have the subject name the hand shining the light (‘left hand’ then ‘right hand’) and do this for a few repetitions until it is easy and predictable for him. Then, have him name the foot that is being illuminated (‘right foot’ then ‘left foot’), again repeat until this is easy and predictable.

Load the activity:

1. Have the child alternate naming hands and feet. For example,

>name only the left hand AND left foot when they are in play (so, say ‘left hand’ when it is shining the light on the right foot, then say ‘left foot’ when the right hand shines the light on it)

>name only right hand AND right foot when in play

>name only right hand AND left foot when in play (so say, ‘right hand, left foot’ when the right hand shines the light on the left foot, but say nothing when the left hand shines the light on the right foot).

>name only left hand AND right foot when in play

2. Use the metronome. Start at an easy pace, then challenge the child to go as fast as he can with each of the variants described above.