Skill: Core Strength

Strengthening of the muscles that work on stabilizing the entire body. Some of these muscles include the abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, low-mid back muscles, and the hip muscles.

The Paper Plate Balancing Act

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 Balancing Plate Bead Challenge

The Balancing Plate Bead Challenge

Steps:

  • Place the paper cup upside down on a flat table.
  • Use a small piece of masking tape to secure the cup to the table.
  • Carefully set the paper plate on top of the upside-down cup.
  • Give your child a small bowl of beads and a spoon.
  • Ask them to scoop one bead and place it on the plate.
  • Challenge them to add more beads without the plate falling off the cup!

Safety Tip:
Beads are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child. Keep all small materials away from younger siblings.

The Over-Head Balloon Drop

The Over-Head Balloon Drop

Steps:

  • Place a soft pillow on the floor for your child to lie on.
  • Set a large basket about a foot behind your child’s head.
  • Ask your child to lie on their back and squeeze a balloon between their ankles while holding the pillow sides.
  • Encourage them to lift their legs up and over their head.
  • The goal is to drop the balloon into the basket without using their hands!
  • Try it again and see how many times they can score in a row.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the area behind the child’s head is clear of hard furniture or sharp edges.

The Cardboard Tube Ball Lift

The Cardboard Tube Ball Lift

Steps:

  • Place a tennis ball on a flat floor or rug.
  • Give your child two long cardboard paper towel rolls.
  • Ask your child to hold one roll in each hand.
  • Challenge them to squeeze the ball between the ends of the paper rolls.
  • Once they have a firm grip, lift the ball off the ground.
  • Ask them to walk slowly toward a basket a few feet away.
  • Carefully release the ball into the basket without using their hands.
  • Repeat the challenge with balls of different sizes!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity to prevent them from tripping. Ensure the floor is clear of other toys.

Sitting Balloon Soccer

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.