Why Ten-Step Adventure works

Begin with a clear example of pick before adding route. The useful challenge in this activity is learning how clear affects the next decision rather than simply finishing quickly.

Set up — Pick a clear straight route that comfortably fits ten small steps

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to pick a clear straight route that comfortably fits ten small steps. The setup is ready when the child can pick a clear straight route that comfortably fits ten small steps and then move on to the instruction to the adult counts aloud while the child walks without a new explanation. Keep the floor clear and the movement controlled while those two steps are connected.

Step 2 — The adult counts aloud while the child walks

One careful attempt to the adult counts aloud while the child walks is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to at step three, five or ten add a pretend event: look through binoculars, duck under an imaginary branch or freeze to listen for an animal, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to pick a clear straight route that comfortably fits ten small steps.

Step 3 — At step three, five or ten add a pretend event: look through…

Use the result of asking the child to at step three, five or ten add a pretend event: look through binoculars, duck under an imaginary branch or freeze to listen for an animal as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to keep steps small and forward-facing until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 4 — Keep steps small and forward-facing

Ask the child to keep steps small and forward-facing. Compare the first pretend event with the later events added at steps three, five, and ten. Once the child understands the pattern, change the adventure theme and keep the same numbered event points.

Step 5 — Add story events at step three, five and ten, change the adventure…

Let the child add story events at step three, five and ten, change the adventure theme and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to add story events at step three, five and ten, change the adventure theme.

What to notice before Add story events at step three, five and…

After the child has tried to keep steps small and forward-facing, ask what changed. An answer connected to the earlier attempt to at step three, five or ten add a pretend event: look through binoculars, duck under an imaginary branch or freeze to listen for an animal is good evidence of whether the child can change action or direction deliberately without losing control before the final step.

Make At step three, five or ten add… easier or harder

If asking the child to at step three, five or ten add a pretend event: look through binoculars, duck under an imaginary branch or freeze to listen for an animal is too demanding, shorten the route, slow the pace, or use fewer actions. Once that step is comfortable, add one remembered action or direction change without increasing speed before returning to the final request to add story events at step three, five and ten, change the adventure theme.

Finish after Add story events at step three, five and…

End while the child still remembers what changed around straight. Ask for one observation, then leave the harder variation for another time. More ideas are in the activity search and activity generator.