Kick To The Box: illustration of a toddler doing the activity

Kick To The Box

from 26 months · 10-15 min · Gross motor

Physical DevelopmentMathematics

What you need

  • soft ball
  • cardboard box or basket

How to do it

  1. Set an open box or basket a few steps away on its side.
  2. Show them how to run up and kick the ball toward it.
  3. Cheer and fetch the ball together each time.
  4. Move the box closer or further as they get the hang of it.

Why it matters

Kicking a moving ball toward a target links their eyes, feet, and balance in one go, which is exactly what team games ask for later.

What they're learning

eye-foot coordination
Timing a kick to connect with a moving ball is the foundation for football and playground ball games.
one-leg balance
Standing on one leg to swing the other builds the stability behind hopping and getting dressed standing up.
aiming at a target
Choosing where to send the ball introduces the idea of aiming, which shows up again in throwing games and sport.

What to look for

Watch for them stopping to line themselves up before kicking, rather than swinging blindly.

A tip

Use a soft or slightly deflated ball so a stray kick indoors doesn't do any damage.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: let them stand still and push the ball with their foot

Harder: add a second box so they choose which target to aim for

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Gross motor activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a basket · Toddler activities with a cardboard box