Backwards Coloring
Parent and child create a colorful 'wallpaper' by drawing lines on paper taped to the wall while walking forward and backward. The agent coaches the parent to observe the child's backward walking ability, balance control, and motor planning — building gross motor coordination and spatial awareness through creative movement.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Tape several large sheets of paper to the wall at your child's drawing height. Clear floor space for walking forward and backward. Have crayons/markers ready. Ensure floor is not slippery.
How it works
- 1~45s
Let's start with forward walking. Show your child how to hold a crayon and draw a line on the paper while walking sideways along the wall. You go first — take slow steps and make a colorful line. Then invite your child to try. Watch how they coordinates walking and drawing at the same time. Does your child maintain balance while moving and drawing? Tell me what you notice about their movement.
Watch for: Child maintains balance while walking sideways and drawing, showing control in a somewhat constrained movement path.
- 2~50s
Now for the backwards part! Show your child how to turn around and draw while walking backward. You demonstrate first — take slow, careful steps backward while making another line next to the first one. Then invite your child to try. Watch closely: does your child attempt backward steps? How does they manage the challenge of moving without seeing where they's going?
Watch for: Child attempts to take steps backward while drawing, showing emerging ability to walk in reverse.
- 3~60s
Let's make it more fun! Suggest switching colors or making different patterns — maybe zigzags or waves. Watch how your child plans their movements. Does they think ahead about where to go next? Does they adjust their steps to match the drawing pattern? We're looking for signs of motor planning — the ability to think about movement before doing it.
Watch for: Child shows planning in movement by adjusting steps to create patterns or changing direction intentionally.