Kick Around Home
Parent guides child around the room while helping them kick a ball, observing kicking coordination, balance during assisted walking, and language responses to familiar objects. The agent coaches the parent to notice gross motor development, limb coordination, and emerging language connections during this interactive physical play.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear floor space for walking. Have a soft ball (size of a soccer ball or smaller) and several family photos or familiar objects placed around the room at child's eye level. Ensure safe walking path free of obstacles.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by placing the ball in front of your child. Hold their hands gently to provide balance, then say 'Let's kick the ball!' Guide them toward the ball and help them make that first kicking motion. Watch your child's leg movement closely — does they swing their leg intentionally toward the ball? Even if you're providing most of the movement, look for that moment of participation. Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child shows intentional kicking motion toward ball while being helped to walk and maintain balance.
- 2~45s
Now let's keep the momentum going! Continue holding your child's hands and guide them to follow the ball as it rolls. Encourage them to kick it again each time it slows down. Watch for a rhythm — kick, walk a few steps, kick again. Notice if your child begins to anticipate when to kick or if they maintains better balance with each attempt. Does their coordination improve as you continue?
Watch for: Child maintains balance while kicking or immediately after, showing stability in standing position with minimal assistance.
- 3~40s
Now let's add a language element to our kicking adventure. As you guide your child around the room, pause at one of the family photos or familiar objects you've placed. Point and say 'Look, there's Mommy!' or 'See your teddy bear?' Watch your child's response — does they look at the object you're naming? Does they try to point or make any sounds in recognition? Then say 'Let's kick to the next picture!' and continue your journey.
Watch for: Child shows recognition of familiar objects or people through looking, pointing, vocalizing, or other responsive behaviors.