Jump, Run, Climb!
Parent coaches the full 30-36mo gross motor sequence: walking on uneven surfaces, walking backwards, balancing on one foot, kneeling-to-standing, jumping with two feet, hopping on one foot, jumping over an object, climbing, stair alternation, running-and-kicking, catching, throwing, and broad jump. Covers seventeen gross motor milestones at 28-40mo.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Open floor space. A large ball if available. A piece of paper on the floor for jumping over. Stairs or a low climbing structure nearby.
How it works
- 1~90s
Let's start with balance and walking. Three challenges. First: walk with your child over a slightly uneven surface — a cushion on the floor, an outdoor path, or even a folded blanket. Can your child walk across without losing balance? Second: ask your child to walk backwards — 'Take steps backwards, like this!' Third: ask your child to stand on one foot — 'Can you lift one foot?' Count how many seconds they holds it. Tell me each one.
Watch for: Child walks on uneven surface without losing balance
- 2~90s
Jumping time! Four challenges. First: ask your child to jump with both feet — 'Jump like a bunny!' Do both feet leave the ground together? Second: put a piece of paper flat on the floor — 'Can you jump OVER it?' Third: ask your child to hop on one foot forward — 'Hop, hop, hop!' How many hops? Fourth: 'Jump as far as you can — see how far you go!' Tell me each one.
Watch for: Child jumps with two feet together
- 3~90s
Four final tests. First: throw a large ball gently to your child and see if they catches it — arms absorbing, not just deflecting. Second: kick — put the ball in front and say 'Run at it and kick!' Can your child run and kick? Third: toss the ball upward and ask your child to throw it up and catch it themselves. And finally: if you have stairs or a climbing structure — walks up and down alternating feet, and climbs confidently. Tell me each.
Watch for: Child throws ball up and catches it
What this develops
- MilestoneCan the child walk on an uneven surface...physicalprimary
- MilestoneCan the child walk backwards?physicalprimary
- MilestoneCan the child stand on one foot for...physicalprimary
- MilestoneKneels and then stands, without using handsphysicalprimary
- MilestoneHops forward on 1 foot 3 stepsphysicalprimary
- MilestoneJumps with 2 feet togetherphysicalprimary
- MilestoneJumps over a piece of paper (widthways)physicalprimary
- MilestoneThrows beanbag on to a clothphysicalprimary
- MilestoneMoves from sitting to standing without using handsphysicalprimary
- MilestoneThrows ball up into the air and catches...physicalprimary
- MilestoneClimbs well (for example, a ladder at the playground)physicalprimary
- MilestoneWalks up stairs alone, by alternating {his/her} feet and holding on to somethingphysicalprimary
- MilestoneRuns towards a ball and kicks itphysicalprimary
- MilestoneJumps on the spot with both feetphysicalprimary
- MilestoneWalks down stairs alone, by alternating {his/her} feet and holding on to somethingphysicalprimary
- MilestoneCatches a large ball using {his/her} arms without losing {his/her} balancephysicalprimary
- MilestoneWalks heel-to-toe along a linephysicalprimary
- MilestonePerforms standing broad jumpphysicalprimary