Stepping Over Obstacles

Purpose:

Develop muscles of the body, back, and legs; refine the development of balance control, develop coordination of the legs for stepping, and teach the child to shift body weight on the feet. 

Directions:

Put pillows, couch cushions, large books, and some soft, unbreakable toys on the floor, spacing them approximately 2 feet apart. Stand the child on the floor and encourage the child to walk around, over, or step on the objects on the floor. 

Encourage:   

• Head upright, in line with the body, eyes looking downward  

• Body upright and straight; hips and legs straight 

• Feet flat on the floor, facing straight ahead 

• Arms downward  

Make it fun! To entice the child to walk around, over, or on objects on the floor, roll a ball or toy car across the floor for the child to chase.  Play “Follow the Leader” and show the child how to step around, over, and on the objects on the floor.