Why Shape-to-Shape Dash works

Move between imaginary shapes called by the adult, changing direction without racing. Choose three open floor spots and name each one as a shape: circle, square and triangle.

Set up — Choose three open floor spots and name each one as a shape:…

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to choose three open floor spots and name each one as a shape: circle, square and triangle. Complete the opening request to choose three open floor spots and name each one as a shape: circle, square and triangle once before adding the next instruction to call a shape and have the child walk to that area, stop with both feet, then wait for the next call. Keep the floor clear and the movement controlled throughout that first transition.

Step 2 — Call a shape and have the child walk to that area, stop…

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to call a shape and have the child walk to that area, stop with both feet, then wait for the next call. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to mix the order so the child listens before moving.

Step 3 — Mix the order so the child listens before moving

After the child tries to mix the order so the child listens before moving, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to give each shape a finishing action, change the order rapidly only after control is good rather than explaining it for them.

Step 4 — Give each shape a finishing action, change the order rapidly only after…

Have the child give each shape a finishing action, change the order rapidly only after control is good before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to let the child assign the actions, especially compared with the earlier request to mix the order so the child listens before moving.

Step 5 — Let the child assign the actions

Give the child time to let the child assign the actions and notice the result. The following instruction to let the child assign the actions should use what they learned after previously trying to give each shape a finishing action, change the order rapidly only after control is good.

What to notice before Let the child assign the actions

The strongest evidence appears after the child has tried to mix the order so the child listens before moving and before they finish by trying to let the child assign the actions. Look for whether the child can change action or direction deliberately without losing control rather than judging the round by speed or neatness.

Make Mix the order so the child listens… easier or harder

Use the child’s last successful attempt to mix the order so the child listens before moving to set the next round. Simplify by doing this: shorten the route, slow the pace, or use fewer actions. Extend it by doing this: add one remembered action or direction change without increasing speed.

Finish after Let the child assign the actions

Let the child assign the actions. That final check is enough to close Shape-to-Shape Dash without adding another task. Continue with a different idea from the activity search or the activity generator.