At a glance
- A ball, a flat spot and a timer set to 60 seconds. Count the taps out loud, you or your child.
- Your child toe-taps for 60 seconds: light taps on top of the ball, foot to foot. Each tap on the ball counts as one.
- Three goes. Write down the best count and the date.
- Then go again and try to beat it.
- Progress 1: Heads-up toe-taps: you hold up fingers or call a colour every few seconds. They call it out without stopping or looking down.
- Progress 2: The same, but you move round them to the side or behind, so they turn their head to find you.
If it's not working: Wedge the ball against a wall or a cushion so it can't roll away.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips
Set up
- Set a timer for 60 seconds.
Garden, park, indoors.
How to play
- Your child toe-taps for 60 seconds: light taps on top of the ball, foot to foot. Each tap on the ball counts as one.
- Three goes. Write down the best count with the date.
- Then they go again and try to beat it.
Make it easier
- Wedge the ball against a wall or a cushion so it can't roll away.
- They hold on to a chair back or your hand for balance.
Make it harder, step by step
- Heads-up toe-taps: while they toe-tap, hold up fingers or call a colour every few seconds. They call it out without stopping or looking down. Keep the rhythm going for 30 seconds straight.
- The same, but you move round them, to the side or behind, so they turn their head to spot the fingers.
Three things to say
- Fast little touches beat big slow ones.
- Keep those feet buzzing.
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
First go and best count, with the date. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.