GM.B.79 RUNS (HURRIED WALK) WITH EYES FIXED ON THE GROUND

 The child’s first attempt at running is really a hurried walk, one foot being at the ground at all times. You will notice your child uses a lot of effort as she tries to run. She holds her body stiffly upright, in an attempt 1to steady herself.This skill requires all her concentration – even her eyes are needed. She rivets them on the ground, concentrating intently on where she is going.

How to Assess

Method: Encourage your child to run by having a race or playing chasings or running after a ball. Score plus if your child attempts to run by using a hurried walk. At this stage her eyes are fixed on the ground. If your child runs more freely than this, you can score plus for this item and should go on to assess her on later running skills.

How to Teach

This skill will develop as your child’s overall competence in movement develops. The best way to encourage her to run is to involve others in running games with your child, and to join in yourself! Look ahead to the techniques described in GM.B.94, as true running can be encouraged very gradually over time.