Montessori Mom

Walking the Line

Ages: 2½ and up

Walking the line is a classic Montessori activity — like a balance beam on the ground. It's simple to set up, endlessly adaptable, and wonderful for developing your child's coordination, balance, and concentration.

Material

All you need is masking tape that pulls off easily. Rainbow-colored painters tape works great and adds a cheerful pop of color. A multi-pack of colored masking tape is also a nice option if you want variety for different shaped lines.

Open the tape and, keeping it on the roll, lay a straight line about 6 feet long on your carpet or floor.

Presentation and Exercise

Show your child how to quietly walk on the masking tape line, placing one foot in front of the other. You can hold your arms out to demonstrate how to balance. Next, walk the line with your arms at the sides of your body.

At first, let your child take steps as long as he or she needs to. As time goes on, encourage your child to take smaller steps. Finally, have your child place toe to heel for the exercise — arms held out for balance to begin with, then heel to toe without arms held out.

Variations

• Walk the line while holding a ball.
• Walk the line carrying a wineglass with a little water in it.
• Walk the line with a tray holding an object on it.
• Make different shaped lines — a line with a curve at the end, a square, a triangle, a circle, or even capital letters of the alphabet.
• Create an indoor hopscotch to practice hopping on two feet, then one foot.

What This Activity Develops

• Balance, posture, and fluid movement
• Eye and foot coordination
• Perception of body in relation to the environment

Control of Error

The child can self-correct by noticing when they make noise, step off the line, spill water, or drop an object. This built-in feedback is one of the beauties of Montessori activities — your child learns to self-assess without needing constant correction from an adult.