Recommended Age: 3 years and onwards
Purpose: for the child to build their control and coordination of movement
Level of Parent Involvement: Low, mainly modelling and supervision
Prerequisites
- The child must be able to carry a tray level
- The child must be able to carry a tray with objects
Materials
- A small tray
- A small jug or glass
- Water
- Hand towel (for spills)
Preparation
- Place the jug or glass on the tray
Steps
- Invite the child letting them know that you are going to play a balancing game with them
- Show the child the tray with the jug/glass
- Invite the child to put some water in the jug/glass (2/3 full)
- Let the child know that you are going to show them how to walk around with the jug/glass on the tray without letting it spill
- Decide on a space to be used as the walking track for example, a lap of the kitchen or another area of the house which does not have carpet
- Demonstrate walking slowly whilst keeping the tray level, without spilling any of the water
- Invite the child to practice
- Let the child know that they may use the hand towel if they make any spills to wipe the floor and or the tray
- When the child has finished practicing, let them know they may practice again on another day
- Show the child where they may empty the water
- The child may dry the jug/glass
Variations
- Serving a family member a beverage
- Carrying a tray with a bowl or plate of food
