Find the Balls
Parent hides balls around a room and child runs to find them while counting aloud. The agent coaches the parent to observe running mechanics, arm-leg coordination, and control during quick stops and turns — building gross motor skills and cardiovascular fitness through playful physical activity.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear, safe indoor or outdoor space for running. 5 small balls or substitutes (e.g., rolled socks, soft toys). Parent ready to hide objects while child counts with eyes closed.
How it works
- 1~45s
First, have your child close their eyes and count aloud while you hide the balls around the room. Spread them out so they has to run between them. When you say 'Go!', watch your child's running form as they takes off. Focus on their arms — do they swing opposite to their legs? That means when their right leg goes forward, their left arm swings forward too. Tell me what you notice about their arm and leg movement.
Watch for: Child demonstrates coordinated running with arms swinging opposite to legs, indicating efficient gross motor patterning.
- 2~50s
Now watch as your child approaches a ball. Notice how they controls their body to stop, pick it up, and then start running again. Does they slow down smoothly or come to an abrupt stop? Does they maintain balance while bending to grab the ball? Also, check their elbows — are they bent at about 90 degrees while running, or are they straight? Bent elbows help with control and speed.
Watch for: Child demonstrates controlled running with ability to start, stop, and change direction purposefully while maintaining balance.
- 3~60s
Let's make it more challenging! As your child finds the last few balls, give clues that require quick turns — like 'It's behind the chair!' or 'Now run to the other side!' Watch how they changes direction. Does they pivot smoothly or take wide, stumbling turns? Can they dodge imaginary obstacles you call out? We're looking for that quick, controlled agility that comes with advanced running skills.
Watch for: Child demonstrates agility by quickly stopping, turning, and changing direction while running without losing balance.