Core Strength - Page 3 of 11

The Stocking Wrecking Ball

Steps:

Place a tennis ball into the toe of a long stocking.
Slide the open end of the stocking over your child’s head like a hat.
The stocking should hang down with the ball near their chest or waist.
Use masking tape to mark a small circle on the floor for your child to stand in.
Help your child build three tall towers using the blocks just outside the circle.
Ask your child to keep their feet inside the tape circle.
Challenge them to swing their body and head to make the ball hit the towers.
Cheer as the blocks tumble down and then build them up again!

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is in a clear area away from sharp furniture. Adult supervision is required to ensure the stocking does not cover the child’s face or eyes.

The Tummy Time Sun Rays

Steps:

Draw a large sun with long rays on construction paper using your markers.
Use masking tape to secure the paper firmly to the floor so it does not move.
Squeeze small dots of glue along the lines of the sun’s rays.
Ask your child to lie on their stomach on the floor, facing the paper.
Place a paper plate with a small pile of beans right in front of them.
Encourage your child to lift their chest and head up high while they reach for the beans.
Have them use their thumb and pointer finger to pick up one bean at a time.
Challenge them to press the beans into the glue dots to decorate the sun.
Encourage them to switch hands to help both sides of their body get stronger!

Safety Tip:
Choking Hazard: Beans are small objects that can be a safety risk. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all beans are collected afterward.

The Carpet Sled Racer

Steps:

Find a large, flat piece of sturdy cardboard from a box.
Use a hole puncher to make two holes in the center of one short edge.
Thread a long rope through the holes and tie it with a very tight knot.
Place a soft pillow on the cardboard to make a comfy seat for your child.
Have your child sit or kneel on the pillow while holding the cardboard sides.
Pull the rope slowly to give your little racer a smooth ride across the rug.
Challenge them to keep their back straight and stay balanced as you move.

Safety Tip:
Always pull the sled slowly and ensure the path is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture.

The Ribbon Tail Rescue

Steps:

Use your scissors to cut several pieces of ribbon into short lengths.
Clip a colorful clothespin to one end of every ribbon piece.
Securely clip the other end of the ribbons to your child’s waistband.
Make sure the ribbons hang down like long animal tails.
Ask your child to reach around their back with one hand.
They must use a strong pinch to open the clothespin and rescue the ribbon tail while keeping their body standing as still as possible.
Challenge them to see how many tails they can catch!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they do not put small materials like clothespins or ribbons in their mouth.

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.