Building Active Bodies and Brains

Walk The Plank – Balance and Jump

All you need is a low ledge or wall. You may find this along the edge of a playground at your local park. Your child can pretend to “Walk the Plank!” like a pirate and jump off at the end.

While your child is learning how to balance, stand quite close to support them if they need it.  As they develop their balancing skills, they can balance along other objects, such as logs, stepping-stones and narrower beams.

Helpful Hint: As your child learns how to master the jump, you can help your child by telling them to have their eyes forward, swing arms back, then lift off and land on two feet with knees bent and arms forward, in a “motorbike landing”.