Gross MotorToddlersPreschoolers12 Comments
Toddlers were not meant to be indoors. First of all, they are just so messy! Second, loud as the dickens. But what about when you need to be inside?
That is when you need some awesome indoor activities for toddlers. In our house, we grow a special breed of toddlers. Super-duper busy ones. My daughter was an exception, but these two little boys – good grief.
This indoor activity for toddlers and preschoolers has kept my two little ones busy for hours. It is a balancing beam, but also doubles as really good heavy work.
The idea is super simple, and hopefully you already have everything you need. Kitchen chairs, and long pieces of wood. We used 2×4’s, only because we had them on hand.
I lugged three of our kitchen chairs downstairs, and put the two pieces of wood resting on the chair braces. Truthfully, I was kinda worried I would break my chairs trying this, but they held up just fine. I chose sturdy ones, and carefully checked them out myself first, stepping on them very gradually.
I often think how hysterical some of the things I do would look to anyone watching through a window. Three kitchen chairs, two pieces of wood, and a Mama gradually and cautiously standing on to the wood. When she prevails, a smile spreads ear to ear and her boys are called!
Anyways, that is precisely how it played out.
Kids not ready for it to be off the ground? Try this simple version.
I introduced the boys to the balance beam assembled, so they could get an idea of the activity. It was quite sturdy, and they quickly got to balancing.
Ben simply worked on balancing and walking from chair to chair. Sam got a little fancy, trying to hop or go backwards as well.
Soon, they started seeing how far they could jump off of the balance beam.
After a little while, they started moving the pieces of wood around (great heavy work). They put the wood on angles, like ramps, and on it’s side.
When they came up with a new arrangement they would give it a try and make any needed adjustments.
This was a good time for them to practice some guess-and-testing, trial and error, and teamwork (and the brother teamwork could stand all the practice it can get)
This turned out to be a great activity for my toddlers mind and his body. He was able to practice balancing and other gross motor movements, and work on visual-spatial skills and even beginning physics skills too.
Yep, my two and a half year old does physics (I’ll be sure to pop that comment in next time there’s a conversation about him still sleeping in a crib or wearing diapers)
This is a great activity to keep up your sleeve when you need to keep your little ones inside. It will burn off some energy, inspire creativity, and should give Mama just a few minutes.
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Erin says
All three of my children (ages 4.5, 3, and almost 2) would love this. They are dare devils. I might start with the wood on the floor first for the little one, but she would quickly want to do it like the others. Maybe just put the activity on a rug or soft falling ground…just in case. :)
Mayra` says
My 18 month old are doing the balance beam on the floor. I don’t see why we couldn’t graduate to up off the floor like that when his balance has improved.
Rashmi says
I think depends on development of the child. My 2 year old goes to Gymnastics class and does the lower beam balancing himself. The one like you have might need little bit help.
Mandy says
I think my 2 year old could do this. He may want some assistance at first, to get comfortable, but it looks like fun. If you’re worried about them falling, put a thick folded quilt beneath the 2x4s!
pat raymo says
I would agree with the start on the floor first, and I would probably start with a wider board and advance from there. Love the idea!!
Elona says
I think it really depends on the development of the child. My son only started walking independently at 14 months, but he was a later bloomer. At 17 months, I think he would be able to do this if I held his hand and very close to the ground, not independently. I would also be concerned with the planks moving, breaking, etc.
Lorna says
My 3.5 year old will love this as he has just started gymnastics and he LOVES the balance beam. The problem is that in class he only gets to walk across the beam a few times each session before they move onto other things and the kids waiting to go behind him seem to make him feel rushed. I am going to set this up so he can take his time and go at his pace and try it how he wants. And I don’t think it looks too dangerous for smaller kids as long as an adult is close by to grab them if they fall towards the chairs with their faces, ha ha. Love the idea!
Deborah K. Hayford says
I would start off with the board on the ground, then as the child gained confidence “spot” them and progress to higher.
Jenn says
Our old neighborhood park had a metal balance beam that was lower to the ground than yours, and our daughter was on and off of it on a regular basis starting at about 12 months (though it made a lot of other adults nervous). If it’s available long-term then they can try it when they’re feeling confident and it’s not a one-time thing to succeed or fail at. (This spring, at age 5, she’s begun constructing her own beams in the yard using old lumber and pavers.) The chair rungs do look a little high for tumbling off of at age 1, and falling onto the chair edges instead of onto soft ground might be tough for beginners.
Brittan says
The simple version is perfect for my 14 month old to work on his balance! Thanks!
Jo says
This looks dangerous. Kudos for encouraging physical activity though. :)