Tiptoes and Playdough

What you'll need

Clear floor space with non-slip surface. Playdough within reach. Child should be wearing socks or barefoot. Parent should be at child's level to demonstrate.

How it works

1. 1~45s

   First, let your child explore the playdough with their hands. Show them how to press it between your palms, then give them a piece to try. Watch how your child uses their hands - does they press firmly? Does they use both hands together or one at a time? This gives us a baseline of their hand strength and coordination before we move to the balance challenge.

   Watch for: Child presses playdough between hands with purposeful pressure, showing developing hand strength and bilateral coordination.

2. 2~60s

   Now place a piece of playdough on the floor and stand up. Show your child how you can press it with your tiptoes - really emphasize rising up onto your toes. Then invite your child to try. Watch closely as they attempts this - does your child lift their heels off the ground? Even a little lift counts! How long can they maintain that tiptoe position while trying to press the playdough?

   Watch for: Child stands on tiptoes without support, maintaining balance while attempting to press playdough with feet.

3. 3~75s

   Let's make it more challenging! Place two pieces of playdough slightly apart. Encourage your child to press one with the right foot, then shift weight to press the other with the left foot. Watch how your child manages this weight transfer - does they stay on tiptoes during the shift? Does they need to put their heels down between presses? This shows us their dynamic balance control.

   Watch for: Child shifts weight from one foot to another while maintaining tiptoe position, showing dynamic balance control.

What this develops

• ◆Milestone
  Toddler Walking Balance

  Movementprimary

Visual example