This simple activity is easy to set up and you can adapt it to multiple age groups!
All you need are some masking tape and some plastic balls. If you don’t have balls, you can also use any small toy.
Simply hang the balls at varying heights using tape and place a basket on the floor. Have your little ones reach up and retrieve the balls!
For younger toddlers (6-12 months)
This is a fun activity for toddlers who are sitting or just starting to cruise. Hang the balls within their reach so that they can pull it down. As they get more comfortable with the motion, you can raise the balls a little higher to encourage them to stand. (Adult supervision is always recommended)
Toddlers (1-2 years)
Hang it just slightly above their reach so that they have to reach up a little bit to grab the balls. This helps strengthen vertical movement and shoulder muscles as well as helps work on their balance and coordination skills.
Toddlers (3+)
Again, hang slightly out of reach to encourage full range of motion, get them on their tippy toes or jumping slightly to grab the balls.
You can also add in more learning by requesting specific balls or counting as they collect each one.
When doing this activity with multiple kids, hang the balls at varying heights or separate walls so that everyone has some to grab!
