Stomp rocket:  The stomp rocket (pictured right) is a great toy to get your kid moving! It is lightweight, inexpensive and easy to transport so you can bring it to the park or the beach.  We like how learning how to lift their foot and push down on the launch pad works on single leg balance for new standers and walkers.  However, it can be beneficial for older kids as well.  It can be a great way to reinforce jumping and hopping as you can encourage them to jump or hop up onto the rocket pad.  This challenges strength, coordination, and motor planning.  Also, if your child can step on the pad easily but has difficulty standing on one leg longer you can encourage them to lift one foot and hold it up, tell them they have to wait until you count to 5,7, or even 10 seconds before they stomp down on the pad.  This can add some motivation to practicing balance. If you are not working on a certain skill but just want some entertainment for your child, this is a great option as well.  Stomping, jumping, and chasing after the rocket will keep them occupied and get out lot's of energy! The stomp rocket can be found at most toy stores.

Bikes and trikes: As always, bicycles and tricycles are a great way to work on  muscle strength, motor planning, and balance.  This is also a great way to encourage cardiovascular exercise in young children and a way to get the whole family involved in exercise.  For specific tips on how to encourage your child to ride a tricycle or two-wheeler, contact us, as it can be individual to each child and their needs.
 
Stepping Stones: "Stepping stones" or "River Stones" (pictured below) are a great way to work on balance, reciprocal leg movement and motor planning.  Since they are individual, your child can be creative with arranging them into different patterns and then trying to walk on them.  For toddlers and younger kids, you can start with the smallest ones and simply have them attempt to step onto and off of one or two. As they gain more balance skills you can arrange the stones into a line or circle and have them step across placing one foot on each stone.  For an additional challenge, you can place the stones further apart so they have to use larger steps to get to the next stone.  You can use creativity and imagination for motivation.  The texture on these also provides for a great sensory tool.  On a nice day, these are great to place out in an open, grassy area.  That way you can let your child experiment with their balance while supervised but without having to worry too much about their safety if they fall.  You can find these on amazon by clicking here.


Sidewalk chalk: Sidewalk chalk can be a simple, inexpensive way to work on fine motor and writing skills outdoors on a nice day.  This can also promote creativity.  In addition, you can assist your child in drawing a hopscotch course in the driveway or sidewalk that they can use for jumping and hopping practice. It can be found in most drug stores and toy stores.