Core Strength - Page 5 of 11

Newspaper Nest Foot Deliver

Steps:

Crumple several sheets of newspaper into large, loose balls with your child.
Place a basket on a rug at one end of the room.
Put the newspaper balls in a pile a few feet away from the basket.
Have your child sit on a pillow on the floor, facing the basket.
Encourage them to lean back and brace themselves with their hands behind them.
Challenge them to pick up one newspaper ball using only their feet.
They must lift their legs carefully and drop the ball into the basket.
See how many nests they can deliver without using their hands!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor is not slippery and the area is clear of sharp furniture corners.

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 Tongs and Tower Reach

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.

Foil Pan Table Skater

Steps:

Use masking tape to create a winding track on a table.
Use markers to draw arrows on the tape to show the way.
Place two sponges inside the aluminium foil pan for hand cushions.
Have your child stand and place one hand on each sponge.
Ask them to slide the pan along the tape path.
They should follow the curves without lifting the pan.
Encourage them to reach far to the left and right.

Safety Tip:
Make sure the table is at a comfortable height for your child to lean on safely.

The Heavy Cargo Foot Push

Steps:

Place a large cardboard box on a smooth floor surface like wood or tile.
Ask your toddler to help fill the box with their favorite stuffed animals.
Have your child sit on the floor with their back against a sturdy wall or couch.
Place the weighted box directly in front of their feet.
Encourage them to bend their knees and push the box away using both feet.
See how far the cargo can go with one big push!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Ensure the floor is clear of any small objects that could be a trip hazard. Check the stuffed animals for small buttons or eyes that could be a choking hazard if they become loose.