Let's Try Kicking
Parent plays a ball game with toddler, encouraging both catching attempts and kicking practice. The agent coaches the parent to observe gross motor coordination, balance during kicking, and arm extension for catching — building foundational ball skills and whole-body coordination.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Open floor space free of obstacles. Soft, lightweight ball (approx. 6-8 inches diameter). Parent standing 4-6 feet from child. Child standing independently.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by gently rolling or tossing the ball to your child. Watch closely how they responds. Does your child extend their arms forward toward the ball? Even if they doesn't actually catch it, we're looking for that intentional reaching motion. Tell me what you see in their arm movement.
Watch for: Child extends arms forward with intention to intercept or catch a rolling/tossed ball.
- 2~35s
Now place the ball in front of your child and encourage them to kick it. You might say 'Kick the ball!' or demonstrate with your own foot. Watch your child's balance and coordination. Does they shift weight to one foot while kicking with the other? Does they make contact with the ball? Even a gentle tap counts!
Watch for: Child kicks ball while maintaining standing position, showing weight shift and leg coordination.
- 3~40s
Let's try a few more rounds — alternate between tossing for catching and placing for kicking. This time, pay special attention to your child's balance during the transitions. After kicking, does they recover balance quickly to prepare for the next ball? Does they show excitement and want to continue? We're looking for that whole-body coordination and sustained engagement.
Watch for: Child maintains or quickly recovers balance after kicking motion, showing whole-body coordination.