 |
|
|
|
Heel Raises (Fig. 9)
Lifting and lowering the heels is a strength-training exercise even the youngest children can do. It also helps with balance.
- Stand facing your child.
- Hold hands.
- Slowly lift and lower your heels, encouraging your child to do the same thing at the same time.
Also:
- Pause each time you rise onto tiptoe, counting aloud to five.
- Instead of just raising your heels, you and your child can jump (two feet) or hop (one foot) lightly in place.
- Try all of these activities both slowly and quickly.
|
|
|
|
Beanbag Balance (Fig. 10)
When it comes to balancing activities, this is an all-time favorite for children.
- Place a beanbag or a small, soft toy on your child's head.
- Invite her to walk from one point in the room to another without dropping the beanbag.
- If she has to, she can hold on to it at first.
Also:
- Ask her to balance the beanbag as she walks both slowly and quickly, in different directions (forward, backward, or sideward), and in different pathways (straight, curving, and zigzagging).
- Invite her to try balancing the beanbag on other body parts, like a hand, shoulder, or elbow.
|
|
|
|