Walking on Knees/Pushing a Box

Purpose:

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

Directions:

Sit on the floor next to a box, an inverted laundry basket, or a chair, and stand or kneel the child next to it. Bring the child’s arms down and forward, and place the child’s hands on top of the box or basket or on the seat of the chair. To encourage the child to take a step forward, use one hand to push the box, basket, or chair slowly away from the child. Support the child’s hips with your other hand, if necessary. Allow the child to take a step independently. As the child learns to balance and take steps, allow the child to push the box, basket, or chair alone. 

Encourage:   

• Head and body upright; hips and legs straight 

• Feet flat on the floor and facing straight ahead if standing 

• Arms forward, hands on top of the box 

Make it fun! Stack some blocks or pillows on the floor and have the child push the box, basket, or chair to knock them over. Put a snack or a favorite toy on the couch and have the child walk the box, basket, or chair over to the couch to get it. Have the child walk while pushing a stroller or a large toy with wheels (such as a child-sized shopping cart). Make sure the toy is steady and will not easily tip over.