Animal Walk Circuit

How to do it

You need: A clear soft floor space, A couple of cushions or soft toys to use as markers.

Clear a soft, non-slip space about the length of two adult steps. Put a cushion or soft toy at each end to mark the start and the finish.

1. Show your child the bear walk: hands and feet on the floor, bottom in the air, moving one hand and the opposite foot together.
2. Let your child bear walk from one marker to the other while you walk alongside.
3. Show the crab walk: sitting with hands behind and knees bent, then lifting the hips and walking backwards on hands and feet.
4. Have your child crab walk back to the start.
5. Add a third animal your child enjoys, such as a bunny hop or a slow lizard crawl, and repeat the loop a few times.

Form cues

• Your child moves an arm and the opposite leg together, rather than both arms then both legs.
• The tummy stays gently firm so the back does not sag towards the floor.
• Your child is smiling and keen to go again - the effort still feels like a game.

Common mistakes

• Racing so fast that the movements become sloppy - slower and steadier builds more skill.
• Doing the circuit on a hard or slippery floor where hands and feet can slide.
• Pushing for one more lap when your child is tired, floppy or losing interest.

Safety: Stop and message your child's physio if your child has increasing pain, a limp that does not settle, or is much more tired or unsettled than usual.