GM.B.81 WALKS, ABLE TO TURN AND STOP SUDDENLY

Once the child is able to walk about, she needs to be able to control her walking. Her life would be fraught with danger if she was not able to stop when she came upon an obstacle, or turn around a sharp corner. She needs to be in total control of her walking, not just ‘chasing her centre of gravity’ to remain upright.

How to Assess

Materials: Obstacles, such as pieces of furniture.

Method: Arrange a series of obstacles haphazardly in the room. Call your child towards you from various parts of the room, or play ‘follow the leader’. Score plus if your child can negotiate the furniture without bumping into it. Your child must be able to turn and stop suddenly.

How to Teach

This ability comes along with control in walking. If your child is having difficulties, select some balance activities from the introduction to this sequence.