Stepping Stones Trail

Step on every stone, go around the rocks and through the grown-up tunnel, then walk back and go again.

At home 5 min 2 to 3 players Indoors Garden With a grown-up

Stepping stones to step on, a couple of rocks to go round, and the grown-up standing with legs apart as the tunnel at the far end.

Set up

Lay a few flat markers (or cushions, or paper plates) as stepping stones and a few cones as rocks.
At the far end, the grown-up stands with legs apart as a tunnel.

Indoors or garden.

How to play

The child steps on every stone, goes around the rocks and through the tunnel, then walks back and goes again.
Stage 1: no ball.
Stage 2: carry the ball, roll it through the tunnel and crawl after it. For the youngest, that is the whole game.
Stage 3: nudge the ball with a foot, walk to it, nudge it again, and one last nudge through the tunnel.
If a rock gets touched, everyone throws their hands up and shouts Whoosh!

Stages

Stage 1No ball.Stage 2Carry the ball, roll it through the tunnel and crawl after it. For the youngest, that is the whole game.Stage 3Nudge the ball with a foot, walk to it, nudge it again, and one last nudge through the tunnel.

Make it easier

Fewer stones, closer together, and no rocks.

Make it harder

Move to the next stage.

Three things to say

Body first, then the ball in the hands, then the ball at the feet.
One instruction at a time.
Every wobble gets the same cheer as a perfect go.

Words that work: "Whoosh!"

Colts habit

Be brave: go again after a wobble.

Both feet

Nudge with either foot.

Heads up

Look at the next stone.

Safety: Flat, soft markers only, nothing that slides or trips. Clear the floor. The grown-up stays close.

Keeping score: Not counted. Cheers only.