Spider Web Walk

What you need

• a roll of masking tape
• a soft toy, as the spider

How to do it

1. Show them the web and walk along one line yourself, slowly, arms out, one foot in front of the other.
2. Let them walk a line to the middle to rescue the spider, keeping their feet on the tape.
3. Try it different ways: tiptoes, big steps, sideways like a crab, or crawling like a spider.
4. Carry the spider back out along another line and put it somewhere new on the web.

Why it matters

Keeping their feet on a narrow line takes balance and concentration, and walking it to rescue a spider gives them a reason to slow down and get it right.

What they're learning

Balance

Putting one foot in front of the other on a line is a step up from everyday walking.

Concentration

Watching their feet and the line at once keeps them focused for longer than you might expect.

Moving in different ways

Tiptoes, big steps and crab walks each ask the body to move a new way.

What to look for

Watch their arms: they often stretch them out to steady themselves without being told. Use a clear floor with nothing to trip on at the edges.

A tip

Masking tape lifts off most floors cleanly; test a small piece first on a polished floor.

More like this

Puddle Splash Count from 16 months · 5-10 min Tree and Back from 24 months · 20-30 min Animal Walk Parade from 16 months · 20-35 min Tap the Top from 18 months · 5 min