This fun activity is a favorite for fall! What kid doesn’t like trying to fill mom and dad’s shoes? And they will reap the benefits of strengthening, heavy work, proprioception, motor planning and balance!
Skill Areas Addressed (See Glossary):
- Balance
- Strength
- Sensory integration
- Proprioception
- Motor control
What You Will Need:
- Pair of adult size boots
What To Do:
Find some boots that are bigger than what your children would actually wear. Let them roam in the yard and encourage them to shuffle their feet to make designs in the fallen leaves. Can they make a pumpkin? How about a lightning bolt? Keep in mind that this activity is difficult for little legs in big boots, and encourage their patience.
How To Change It Up:
- No leaves? Use pine needles, sand, grass clippings, hay, etc.
- Create piles of leaves and ask them to shuffle through them for more resistance. Or, even trickier, step over them like hurdles!
- Change from the big boots to appropriate-sized shoes for your child. Ask them how it feels different. Is it easier? Harder?
Explore More Activites Like This!
Explore more activities to promote development in children, and check out our health center for children.
This content is provided in collaboration with The Inspired Treehouse and has been reviewed by the editorial board.
