Toddlers love to move! Help them discover what their bodies can do by setting up an obstacle course for them.
Household furniture
Toys and/or small objects
You!
Set up a few different “stations” in an open area (usually 3 to 5 things is enough).
Each station should involve a different physical movement. For example, you can put out three stuffed animals your toddler has to jump over. You can lay down a ribbon or string that your toddler has to walk across in a straight line. Or, you can think of other different physical movements that don’t include an object – hopping, crawling, spinning, and clapping are a few examples.
Think of movements your toddler already does with his body.
Once you’ve determined each station’s activities, demonstrate them by going through the obstacle course yourself first. Describe each station out loud and model the activities – have fun with it! Then, help your toddler get started on his own, reminding him of each station along the way. Repeat the course until your toddler starts to do some or all of it on his own!
Sample obstacle course:
Stomp feet three times.
Step over three stuffed animals.
Hop around a chair.
Walk on a line.
This activity helps your toddler develop motor skills, following directions, and social-emotional skills.
