Simple Direction Obstacle Course
Set up a mini obstacle course and guide your toddler through it with simple directions — over, under, through, around — to practice following spoken instructions.
What You'll Need
- 1Pillows
- 2Blanket draped over chairs
- 3Hula hoop or large ring
- 4Chair
What You'll Need
Pillows for climbing over
A blanket draped over chairs for crawling under
A hula hoop or large ring for stepping through
A chair for walking around
How to Play
Set up 4-5 stations using household items: pillows, blanket tunnels, hula hoops, chairs.
Walk the course yourself, narrating: "OVER the pillow. UNDER the blanket. THROUGH the hoop."
Guide your toddler: "Go OVER the pillow!" Use hand gestures with words.
Celebrate each station: "You went OVER! Amazing!"
At the end, clap and cheer. Ask: "Want to do it again?"
On round two, pause before giving the direction to see if they remember.
Mix up the order to keep them listening for the instruction.
Add new stations as they master the original course.
Tips
Position words (over, under, through, around, between) are some of the hardest vocabulary for toddlers to grasp because they're about spatial relationships, not objects. This obstacle course makes them concrete and physical.
Keep stations simple and safe. The goal is language practice, not gymnastics. Low pillows and short tunnels are perfect.
Say the position word loudly and clearly: "OVER!" The emphasis helps it stand out in the sentence so toddler can isolate the important word.
This is a great rainy-day activity. You can build a surprisingly fun course in a small living room with just pillows and blankets.
Age Adaptation Tips
Toddlers learn through repetition. Keep it simple, expect mess, and let them explore at their own pace. Demonstrate first, then let them try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: pillows, blanket draped over chairs, hula hoop or large ring, chair.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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