Foil Pan Table Skater

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), Toddlers (1 to 3)
Play time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

This activity turns a kitchen item into a fun shoulder workout. Your child will build trunk stability while sliding the pan. Moving the pan across the table provides great sensory feedback. It also helps them learn to use both sides of their body.

Steps

Use masking tape to create a winding track on a table.
Use markers to draw arrows on the tape to show the way.
Place two sponges inside the aluminum foil pan for hand cushions.
Have your child stand and place one hand on each sponge.
Ask them to slide the pan along the tape path.
They should follow the curves without lifting the pan.
Encourage them to reach far to the left and right.

Safety tip: Make sure the table is at a comfortable height for your child to lean on safely.

Make it easier

Make the track a big, simple oval with no tight turns.
Use a low coffee table so your child can push while kneeling on the floor.
Skip the track at first and let your child slide the pan in big circles anywhere on the table.

Make it harder

Add a figure eight to the track so the pan crosses from one side of the body to the other.
Ask your child to stop the pan at each arrow and count to three before moving on.
Push with one hand on one sponge, then switch hands for the next lap.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child twists and reaches across their body on the curves, or walks around the table to avoid crossing over.
Watch how much weight your child leans into the sponges. Leaning in gives the shoulders more work.
If your child dislikes the feel of the sponges, let them push with flat hands on a folded dish towel instead.