Get the Flag
Parent creates a simple obstacle course with cushions and places a flag at the finish line, encouraging their child to run through the course. The agent coaches the parent to observe running with direction, speed control, and motor coordination — building gross motor skills and spatial awareness through playful movement.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear space for running (living room, hallway, or safe outdoor area). Gather 3-5 cushions/pillows to create a trail. Choose a 'flag' item (colorful cloth, small towel, or special toy). Place flag at end of course. Ensure floor is not slippery.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start by showing your child the course. Place the cushions in a winding trail around the room, with the flag at the end. Get down to your child's level and point excitedly toward the flag. Say something like 'Let's run to get the flag!' and start running yourself. Watch how your child responds — does they understand the goal and start running in the right direction? Tell me what you notice about their initial movement.
Watch for: Child runs with clear direction toward a target, maintaining forward movement toward the flag.
- 2~40s
Now let's do a few more runs together. This time, notice your child's speed control. Does they start slow and then pick up speed as they gets excited? Or maybe they runs fast at first and then slows down to navigate around cushions? Try running alongside your child and match their pace — then gently encourage 'Faster!' or 'Slow down!' and see if they adjusts. What do you notice about their speed control?
Watch for: Child varies running speed intentionally — accelerating, decelerating, or maintaining pace in response to the course or encouragement.
- 3~45s
Let's add a little challenge. Place a few toys as obstacles along the cushion trail — not too many, just 2-3 items your child needs to run around. Watch how they coordinates their movements. Does your child plan their path ahead of time? Does they adjust their steps to avoid the toys while keeping momentum toward the flag? This shows developing coordination and spatial planning. What coordination strategies do you see?
Watch for: Child coordinates running movements to navigate obstacles while maintaining forward progress toward the flag.