Let's Play Catch III
Parent plays a progressive catching game with their toddler, starting close and gradually increasing distance while observing catching technique and balance. The agent coaches the parent to notice how the child uses their body to catch and throw, focusing on arm positioning, weight shifting, and maintaining stability — building foundational ball skills and coordination.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Open space free of obstacles. Parent and child standing facing each other. Soft, medium-sized ball (beach ball or similar) available. Optional: 3 boxes or laundry baskets for later challenge.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by standing just a few feet away from your child. Gently toss the ball right into their waiting arms — aim for their chest area. Watch closely: does your child catch it by bringing their arms together to form a basket? Does they stay steady on their feet or stumble when the ball makes contact? Tell me what you notice about their catching technique.
Watch for: Child catches a medium-sized ball using both arms together, maintaining balance upon contact.
- 2~35s
Now take two small steps back — just enough to make it a bit more challenging. Toss the ball gently again, aiming for your child's chest. This time, pay special attention to their balance. Does they plant their feet firmly? Does they lean forward or shift weight to absorb the catch? Even a small weight shift shows they's using their whole body to help with the catch.
Watch for: Child maintains balance while catching from increased distance, showing weight adjustment and stability.
- 3~40s
Now let's switch to throwing. Ask your child to throw the ball back to you. Watch their whole body as they prepares to throw. Does they shift weight from back foot to front foot? Does they bring their arm back and then forward with some force? We're looking for those whole-body movements that show they's using more than just their arm to aim and throw.
Watch for: Child uses whole-body coordination when throwing — weight shift, arm motion, and follow-through.