Core Strength - Page 2 of 11

Post-It Path Finder

Steps:

Place a long strip of masking tape on a clear floor area to create a straight ‘tightrope’ path.
Stick several colorful Post-Its on the wall at your child’s eye level along the length of the tape path.
Ask your child to stand at the start of the tape line and hold a single block with both hands.
Challenge your child to walk slowly along the tape line without letting their feet step off the sticky path.
While they are walking, call out a color that matches one of the Post-Its on the wall.
Your child must find the matching color with their eyes and point to it with one hand without stopping their walk.
Repeat the process until they reach the end of the line, calling out different colors as they go.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the floor is clear of toys and that the walking path is a safe distance away from sharp furniture corners.

Floating Feather Fans

Steps:

Lay a long strip of butcher paper on the floor to make your landing runway.
Use masking tape to secure a basket at the very end of the paper.
Have your child lie on their tummy at the start of the runway.
Place a soft feather in front of them on the paper.
Hand your child a straw and ask them to blow air through it.
Challenge them to push the feather forward using only their breath.
If the feather gets stuck, give them a paper plate to use as a fan.
Encourage them to wave the plate to create wind and move the feather.
The goal is to get the feather all the way into the basket!
Repeat the race and see if they can do it faster each time.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely while they are lying on the floor. Ensure the room is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture. Keep straws away from eyes and mouth after use.

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Steps:

Lay a flat sheet of newspaper on a smooth floor or rug.
Ask your child to stand on one leg next to the paper.
Use the other foot to slowly crinkle and crumple the paper into a ball.
The child must keep their standing foot still the whole time.
Once it is a ball, use the foot to push it into a basket.
Switch legs and try to crumple a new sheet of paper!
Challenge them to do it faster each time they play.

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is near a wall or a sturdy chair for support if they lose their balance.

The Silent Bubble Walk

Steps:

Cut two wide strips of bubble wrap using your scissors.
Wrap one strip gently around each of your child’s shins.
Secure the wrap with a small piece of masking tape.
Ensure the tape is not tight against the skin.
Use masking tape to mark a zigzag path on the floor.
Ask your child to walk the path in total silence.
The goal is to reach the finish line without popping any bubbles!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the tape is not too tight and the plastic is handled safely.

The Pool Noodle Steamroller

Steps:

Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on a soft rug.
Place several stuffed animals in a row between the two lines.
Give your toddler a long pool noodle to hold with both hands.
Encourage them to roll the noodle over the toys while crawling.
Have them push down hard to steamroll each fluffy friend.
Put the toys in a basket once they reach the finish line.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they stay safe. Pool noodles can be a choking hazard if small pieces are swallowed.