Obstacle Course
Here's What To Do
1
Set up a simple obstacle course for your child to complete.
2
For example, they can go through a large open box, jump into and out of a hula hoop, hop over a jump rope, crawl under a table etc.
3
They can do the course more than once and try to complete it even faster too!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Do a few whole body stretches together first.
E
Engage:
- “You can do this obstacle course.” Give instructions and demonstrate.
- “Now, let’s see if you can do it even faster! Remember to still be careful!”
E
Encourage:
- Walk alongside your child and provide reminders and encouragement as they complete the course.
- Encourage your child to persist by using strategies such as deep breathing or telling themself encouraging words like “I can do it!”
R
Reflect:
- “What was the trickiest part? What did you do to help you keep going?”
Not quite ready?
Give your child hints and clues for strategies they could try. “What do you think would happen if you crawled under the table instead of trying to walk under it?”
Ready for more?
Your child can explore creative ways to complete the obstacle course. For example, going around something instead of over it. Or, let your child make their own course!
As your child masters this skill...
They will apply different strategies for new and challenging tasks.