Elephant Walk and Run
Parent guides child through an imaginative elephant walk on all fours with hips held high, followed by a run to a target. The agent coaches the parent to observe cross-lateral coordination during running and overall balance control during the elephant walk — building gross motor skills, body strength, and imaginative play.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear floor space for movement. A target object (toy, pillow, tape mark) placed about 10-15 feet away. Child should wear comfortable clothes that allow bending and crawling.
How it works
- 1~45s
Let's start with the elephant walk! Show your child how to get on hands and feet with their hips held high — like they's an elephant with a big round back. Then take three big, slow steps forward, bending their knees and alternating hands and feet. Make elephant sounds together — it's more fun! Watch how your child manages this position. Does they stay balanced or wobble? Can they keep those hips up while moving? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child demonstrates good balance and coordination while moving in an elevated quadruped position (elephant walk), showing strength and control similar to climbing.
- 2~30s
Now for the run! After those three elephant steps, have your child stand up and run to the target you placed. As they runs, watch their arms carefully. Do they swing naturally opposite to their legs — right arm forward with left leg, left arm with right leg? This cross-lateral pattern is a key running skill. Also notice if your child maintains balance when stopping at the target. What do you see?
Watch for: Child demonstrates cross-lateral coordination while running — arms swing in opposition to legs (right arm with left leg, etc.).
- 3~50s
Let's do one more round — elephant walk, then run! This time, focus on the transitions. Watch how your child moves from the elephant position to standing up to run. Is it smooth or clumsy? Also notice how they stops at the target. Does they balance on one foot briefly when stopping, or use both feet firmly? These moments show dynamic balance control. Tell me about your child's movements.
Watch for: Child demonstrates momentary one-foot balance during dynamic movements — may pause on one foot when stopping or transitioning.