Walking on the line – well the Pirate plank

 I have read a few articles and posts about walking on the line exercise (some information here and here)  used in Montessori education, perhaps this is our pre walking on the line activity.

On the floor


Last week I brought out a plank for Luath to practise walking on.  She was a little wary to begin with, but quickly became confident.

I added a smaller plank at right angles and she then practised turning.

It was also great practise stepping on and off, gaining control of a single knee bend.

Raised plank

This week we are having a sea theme, mainly Pirates, so walking the plank was a must.  One of the books we are reading has the pirate crew walking the plank with a splash.

one of the pirate crew has met his fate

I balanced the plank on two banana boxes, it was very sturdy.  I tried it out first.  Luath had a blast.  She initially was keen just to be helped to jump off and say “splash”.   She became quite daring, she could turn around, then spin, crouch down to reach for something, climb on/off independently, carry objects while she did all the previous things, oh and walk along it.

 

She enjoyed the plank for around an hour and was still on it when daddy came home.  I thought daddy would think it was a dangerous activity to be doing, but he thought it was brilliant. 

Post note two days later - It has already helped Luath with her balance skills.  She can control descending a step much better and also she has mastered standing up on her ride on toy, and remaining balanced even when it wobbles (OK not a recommended activity, but I was close by and I feel it is important for her to develop her risk assessment skills).

(Luath is 17mths)

shared with Montessori Monday at Living Montessori Now