GM.C.124 WALKS DOWN STAIRS, HOLDING THE RAIL, ALTERNATING FEET

This takes considerable control. When no rail is present, your child will still probably use 2 feet to each step – this is quite acceptable at this stage. When a rail is present, she can be encouraged to alternate her feet.

How to Assess

Materials: A set of stairs with a rail.

Method: Ask your child to walk down the stairs. If necessary, demonstrate going down using alternate feet. Score plus if your child walks down with alternate feet, holding the rail.

How to Teach

Walking down stairs with alternate feet requires the child to hold her weight on a bent leg for a considerable period to allow the free leg to pass through to the next step.

It is important to use small steps when teaching this skill. If necessary, construct a temporary set of practice steps with bricks or planks and hold your child’s hand in place of the rail. Help her to get the idea by guiding her moving leg through to the next step. This is hard work, so keep your practice sessions short.

Do not expect her to alternate her feet when no rail is present at this stage – unless, of course, she is holding your hand.