Tightrope

Tightrope

Requirements

  • A rope, ribbon, or any line on the ground

Instructions

  1. Find a straight line on the ground, or make one with rope, ribbon, or chalk line 5-6 metres long.
  2. A long pavement crack or concrete joint can also work.
  3. Show your child how to walk along the line heal-to-toe.
  4. Show how to extend arms for balance.
  5. Try walking along the line from start to finish without stepping off the line. If you do, you’ve “fallen.”
  6. Introduce imaginary scenarios for fun. Example: Pretend you are circus tightrope walkers.

Variations

  • Try walking along the line backwards, sidestepping, or crawling on all hands and feet
  • Create a tightrope obstacle course using several ropes, ribbons or lines on the ground – use a different walk on each length (forward, backward, sidestep, etc.) – you can designate “safe zones” between parts of the course to give your child a rest

Benefits

This activity develops coordination and balance as kids try to walk a straight line on a rope lying on the ground.

Information

  • Skill: Balance
  • 15 minutes
  • Suggested age: 3 - 8 years