Beat the Clock
You and your child toe-tap side by side for 30 seconds, count your taps, and go again.
At a glance
- A ball each and a timer set to 30 seconds. Stand side by side on a flat spot, you and your child.
- You both toe-tap for 30 seconds: light taps on top of the ball, foot to foot. Count your taps.
- Three rounds. Try to beat your count from the round before.
- Progress 1: Their practice foot (the one they use less) leads every tap.
- Progress 2: Practice foot leads and their eyes stay on you: hold up fingers and they call the number without looking down.
If it's not working: Start with 15 seconds on the clock, then build up to 30.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips
Set up
- A ball each and a timer set to 30 seconds. Stand side by side.
Garden, park, indoors.
How to play
- 30 seconds on the clock. You both toe-tap and count your taps.
- Three rounds. Try to beat your count from the round before.
Make it easier
- Start with 15 seconds on the clock, then build up to 30.
- Let a little air out of their ball so it sits still under the feet.
Make it harder, step by step
- Their practice foot leads every tap.
- Keep the practice foot leading and hold up fingers as you tap: they call the number without looking down at the ball.
Three things to say
- Light taps on top of the ball, arms out for balance.
Colts habit
Work hard: little and often beats one long go.
Both feet
Do a round with the practice foot only.
Heads up
Look up between touches.
Safety: Pick a clear, flat space, look out for traffic and hazards, and stop if anything hurts. Soft ball indoors.
My best
Their own best 30-second count. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.