Balance - Page 3 of 6

The Paper Plate Balancing Act

Steps:

Place a paper plate on top of your child’s head.
Encourage them to stand still and find their balance.
Carefully set one paper cup on the center of the plate.
Ask your child to walk slowly across the room.
Challenge them to reach a target like a couch or chair.
Once they are steady, add a second cup to the stack!
See how many cups they can balance before the stack wobbles off.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the walking path is clear of toys or rugs that could cause a trip.

The Textured Cardboard Path

Steps:

Help your child cut several long strips of cardboard to make the path.
Use masking tape to secure the strips to the floor in a straight line.
Glue small pieces of soft sponge and rough yarn along the path.
Ask your child to take off their shoes and socks.
Have them walk slowly while keeping their feet inside the cardboard edges.
Encourage them to describe how each section feels as they step on it!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to prevent slips or falls while they walk on the textured path. Make sure the cardboard is taped down firmly to the floor.

Sitting Balloon Soccer

Steps:

Tape a large square on a clear wall to be the ‘soccer goal.’
Blow up a balloon and tie it securely for your child.
Have your child sit on a rug and lean back on their hands for support.
Challenge them to lift their feet and keep the balloon in the air.
Ask them to kick the balloon toward the masking tape goal.
See how many goals they can score in one minute!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to prevent bumps or falls. Pick up broken balloon pieces immediately.

The Heavy Balloon Balance Walk

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it for your child.
Use masking tape to create a long, straight path on the floor.
Ask your child to stand at the start of the line.
Have them hold the balloon in front of them with both hands.
Place one bean bag on top of the balloon.
Challenge them to walk along the tape line.
They must keep the bean bag from sliding off the balloon!
If the bag falls, they should stop, reset, and try again.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the walking path is clear of furniture and trip hazards to prevent falls while your child is looking at the balloon.

The Sticky Plate Step

Steps:

Place six paper plates in a line on a smooth floor.
Use masking tape to secure the plates to the floor so they do not move.
Put several loops of masking tape on top of each plate with the sticky side facing up.
Ask your child to take off their shoes and socks.
Have them walk slowly across the plates, feeling their feet stick to the tape.
Encourage them to lift their knees high to pull their feet away from the sticky surface!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard. This activity uses masking tape which can be torn into small pieces. Always supervise your child closely. Ensure the plates are taped down firmly to prevent slipping.