Everyday, Simple Idea #13: Tape Balance Beam

#13 Tape Balance Beam

Painters tape is a great invention.  It gets used around our house for lots of uses other than painting (i.e. hanging children’s art work, dividing work spaces between two children, and making targets on the wall).  My children’s favorite is when we use it to make a line on the floor and use it as a “balance beam.”

Benefits of balance beam game:

• Allows physical activity in a small space, and fairly quietly.
• Promotes control of the body to build self-awareness and attention.
• Strengthens visual motor coordination skills (being able to stay on the line).
• Incorporates social skills- imitation of others, taking turns.

Try to challenge your child by walking on the line forwards and backwards, heel to toe, sideways, galloping, lunge walking, and doing animal walks. You can also change it up and work on jumping skills with the line, red light/green light games, or Simon Says.  Other ideas: car race track, add some pretend play (i.e. animal parade) or make it part of a larger obstacle course.

Paige Hays is an occupational therapist who provides in-home, pediatric occupational therapy services in the south metro area of the Twin Cities, MN. She is a mother of 2 girls, avid DIYer, and a highly skilled and experienced OT. She specializes in working in pediatrics, with diverse expertise ranging from cognition and sensory issues to working with children with neuromuscular disabilities or complex medical needs. www.paigehays.net