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What is Cross-Patterning?

KoolMinds Team
Cross-patterning is the natural motion of the human body in opposition to itself. It involves using the opposite arm and opposite leg at the same time. 

Cross-patterning engages both hemispheres of the brain to help activate more neuropathways for the brain to communicate.  Cross-patterning is the epicenter of most processing abilities and allows free open communication between the right and left brain hemispheres which is a vital skill in retention.

How to Cross-Pattern 

Cross-patterning can be any activity that you do that uses opposition. This means that opposite sides of your body are working together to coordinate. You will use your right arm and left leg together and then your left arm and right leg together. Some activities that you can do to cross-pattern include: 
  • Crawling
  • Walking
  • Running
  • Marching
  • Skipping
  • Swimming
  • Rock Climbing

Benefits of Cross-Patterning 

Cross-patterning builds the bridge between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and allows electrical impulses and information to pass freely between the two hemispheres. This is essential not only for physical coordination but also for some cerebral activities including reading, learning language, and hand-eye coordination. Some other benefits of cross-patterning include:

  • It enhances whole-brain thinking so that the left and right hemispheres work together

  • Improves left /right coordination
  • It can make you more adaptable and susceptible to learning
  • Enhances balance 
  • Increases core strength and control
  • Increases spatial awareness
  • It energizes your body and calms your mind

  • It releases tension and stress

  • It improves your eye-teaming skills which are essential for focus, reading and writing. Eye teaming is a visual skill that allows both eyes to work together in a precise and coordinated way.
  • It also has social-emotional benefits such as increased self-awareness, situational insight, clarity of thought, memory and impulse control

Articles/Resources

Videos 

Count Your Marches
Skipping Jump Rope

If you or your child struggle with cross-patterning, contact KoolMinds today to find out how we can help!

Sources:
[i] Angela. (2017, July 23). 7 Fun Ways with Cross Patterning – Child Development - Wide Bay Kids. Wide Bay Kids. https://widebaykids.com.au/cross-patterning-child-development/ [ii] Eye Teaming | Children's Clear Vision. (2019, June 5). Children’s Clear Vision. https://www.childrensclearvision.com/what-does-it-treat/eye-teaming/
[iii]  Staff, K. (2017, October 12). Have You Heard of Cross Patterning? - Chiropractor Fort Myers & Southwest Florida. Chiropractor Fort Myers & Southwest Florida. http://drkasters.com/chiropractic-blog/heard-cross-patterning/


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