My Heels, My Toes
Parent and child trace their feet on paper and identify different foot parts, then practice walking movements that strengthen foot muscles and coordination. The agent coaches the parent to observe heel-to-toe walking patterns, stair climbing readiness, and backward walking skills — building foundational walking coordination for toddlers.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and child sitting on floor together. Cardstock paper and marker within reach. Child's shoes removed. Space cleared for walking movements afterward.
How it works
- 1~45s
Start by placing your foot on the paper and tracing around it with the marker. Then help your child trace their foot too. As you trace, name the parts of the foot — 'This is the heel, these are the toes.' Ask your child to point to their own heel and toes on their foot. Watch how your child responds — does they accurately identify these body parts? This body awareness is the foundation for coordinated walking.
Watch for: Child can identify and point to different parts of their own feet when asked, showing body awareness necessary for coordinated walking.
- 2~50s
Now let's practice walking! Place the traced footprints on the floor in a walking pattern. Ask your child to step on them, focusing on using their whole foot — heel first, then rolling to the toes. You demonstrate first if needed. Watch your child's walking pattern closely — does they use a heel-to-toe motion, or is they still stepping flat-footed? This mature walking pattern shows developing coordination.
Watch for: Child demonstrates heel-to-toe walking pattern when stepping on footprints, rather than flat-footed stepping.
- 3~60s
Let's try some variations! First, create a 'stair' by stacking a couple of books or using a low step. Hold your child's hand and see if they can step up using one foot, then bring the other foot to meet it. Then try walking backward a few steps — you can hold hands facing each other. Notice your child's balance and coordination during these more challenging movements.
Watch for: Child demonstrates ability to climb a low step with support, showing coordination and weight shifting between feet.