2 Quick Ideas to Help with Balance & Leg Strength

1. Put pieces of masking tape (approximately the length of the child's foot) : one piece for hopping and two side-by-side pieces for jumping along a path. Wherever you put the two pieces, direct your child to "Jump!" and when they get to the single piece of tape remind them to "Hop."

This course can be as long or short as you like, indoor or outdoor, from the kitchen table to the bathroom to brush teeth after a meal, etc. This activity is growing muscles in your child's body, teaching the ability to balance (especially when hopping), and learning to follow directions is a benefit as well.

2. There is also the option of doing one long straight tape line on the floor (or yarn/ribbon/rope could work as well) in order to give the child a pretend tightrope or balance beam. Walk forward and backward, put on some music and do some dance moves, arabesque, and so on. There are no limits.

With this same strip of tape, the child can stand to one side of it facing down to the other end of the line. Moving forward by jumping sideways, your child can zig-zag down the line. Have fun with this and use your imaginations.

Tip: Don't leave masking tape on the floor as it may eventually leave a mark if left for a long time. Cheaper masking tape will be easier to remove. Painter's tape would work as well if you have it on hand; it is just more pricey.

 

Photo Credit: San José Public Library cc