Tongs and Tower Reach

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Setup:: 2 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

This game is great for helping kids feel steady on their feet while moving. When a child stands on a step stool and reaches down, they are working on their balance and core strength. Using tongs to pick up a bean bag adds a fun challenge for their hands and eyes. It teaches them how to control their body while focusing on a specific goal. This is a perfect way to build confidence in their physical skills.

Steps

Place a bucket on a sturdy table or chair.
Put three bean bags on the floor next to a step stool.
Have your child stand safely on the step stool.
Ask them to hold the tongs with their favorite hand.
Challenge them to reach down and grab a bean bag with the tongs.
They must carefully stand back up and drop the bean bag into the bucket.
Repeat until all the bean bags are rescued!

Safety tip: Always ensure the step stool is on a flat surface and place it near a wall or adult for extra support if needed.

Make it easier

Put the bean bags on a low box or a couch cushion so your child does not have to reach all the way to the floor.
Let your child step down to pick up each bean bag, then step back up to drop it in.
Use hands instead of tongs at first so your child can focus on balance.

Make it harder

Place the bean bags farther to the side so your child has to reach and twist while staying on the stool.
Swap a bean bag for a rolled-up sock, which takes a more careful grip with the tongs.
Hold each bean bag up in the tongs for a count of five before dropping it in.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child bends at the knees and hips to reach down, or keeps the legs straight and folds forward.
Watch whether the free hand reaches out for balance, grabs onto something, or stays relaxed.
If standing up high feels scary, start with your child standing on a folded towel on the floor and add the stool later.

Where this helps in daily life

Bending down and standing back up while holding something steady is the same balance kids use to pick up toys from the floor, get dressed while standing, and carry a cup up a step.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.