One of the most valuable gifts we can give our children is the sense they can be still and focus. For young children, this simply takes practice. And one of my favorite preschool games helps children learn this focus and concentration in a fun way.Walking on a balance beam is a game high end preschools use to help children learn better focus, concentration, and - yes, balance. At home, the easiest way to replicate the game is to use wide painter's tape.
If you play this game indoors, begin by testing the floor to ensure the tape won't damage it. (This is why painter's tape is a great choice; it easily comes up from most surfaces without a problem.) Then lay down a relatively straight piece of tape about 6 feet long.
While your preschooler watches, walk across the tape, holding your arms out (just like you would on a real balance beam). Walk slowly, demonstrating to your child the concentration required for her to accurately walk on the tape putting one foot in front of the other.
Then give your child a chance to try it. It will probably take some practice, but when she can walk across without tripping or toppling over, you can try other patterns with the tape. Try a zig-zag line, a wavy line, a square, a triangle, or an octagon, for example.
If your child gets really good at keeping his balance and staying focused, try having him walk heel toe, heel toe, followed by toe heel, toe heel, walking backwards, or walking on tip toe.
More Articles in the Homeschool Preschool Series:
Why Homeschool Preschool?
Thoughts on Readiness
How Much Time?
Scissor Skills
Numbers
Letters
Colors & Shapes
Sorting
Worksheets
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