Up and Down with Colors
Parent guides child in a playful activity where the child bends down to pick up crayons and then draws on paper taped to the wall. The agent coaches the parent to observe the child's balance while bending, ability to stand on one foot briefly, and early drawing control — building gross motor coordination and pre-writing skills.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Tape a piece of paper or cardstock to a wall at the child's chest height. Place 3-4 crayons on the floor about a step away from the wall. Ensure the floor is clear and safe for bending. Child should be wearing comfortable clothes and shoes or be barefoot.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's begin! Ask your child to pick up one crayon from the floor and bring it to you at the wall. Watch closely as they bends down. Does your child keep their balance easily, or does they wobble or need to put a hand on the floor? Notice if they bends at the knees or mostly at the waist. Tell me what you see.
Watch for: Child bends forward to pick up an object from the floor without losing balance or falling.
- 2~35s
Now let's see your child's balance in a different way. As they goes to pick up the next crayon, watch their feet. Does your child shift weight to one foot as they bends, maybe even lifting the other foot slightly off the ground? Even a brief, wobbly lift counts. This is a precursor to standing on one foot. What do you notice?
Watch for: Child briefly shifts weight fully to one foot, showing early single-leg balance during a functional movement.
- 3~40s
Perfect! Now for the fun part. your child has the crayons. Encourage them to draw on the paper taped to the wall. Can your child make some circular scribbles or round shapes? Drawing on a vertical surface is great for shoulder strength and wrist control. Watch their hand — does they move it in a rounded, continuous motion, or are the marks mostly straight lines?
Watch for: Child attempts to draw circular or rounded shapes, showing developing control of drawing motions.