Up and Down with Colors
Parent guides child through a colorful balance game where {child_name} bends to pick up crayons and then practices early writing skills. The agent coaches the parent to observe balance control during bending, pencil grip development, and circular stroke attempts — building foundational motor skills for writing readiness.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Tape cardstock paper to wall at child's chest height. Place 8 crayons scattered on floor about 2-3 feet from wall. Ensure floor surface is safe for bending (carpet or non-slip). Child should be wearing comfortable clothes that allow movement.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start with the balance part. Ask your child to pick up one crayon from the floor and bring it to you. Watch carefully as they bends down — does your child keep their balance without wobbling or needing to hold onto something? Notice if they bends at the knees or keeps legs straight. Tell me what you see in their movement control.
Watch for: Child bends forward to pick up object from floor while maintaining balance without falling or needing support.
- 2~40s
Now let's look at writing readiness. As your child hands you each crayon, notice how they holds it. Is they using a fist grip or more of a finger grip? After you have a few crayons, tape the paper back up and give your child one to scribble with. Watch that grip closely — is they holding it between thumb and fingers, ready for writing?
Watch for: Child holds crayon with developing tripod or quadrupod grip — fingers positioned for writing rather than palmar fist grip.
- 3~45s
Now for the fun part — let's see your child's drawing skills! Ask them to make some circles on the paper. You can demonstrate first — 'Watch me go around and around!' Then give your child a turn. Notice if they attempts circular motions or mostly does back-and-forth scribbles. Even attempts that aren't perfect circles count — we're looking for that rotational wrist movement.
Watch for: Child attempts to make circular strokes when drawing, showing developing rotational wrist control and visual-motor coordination.