TopParent

Stop-Start Wiggle

self regulationgross motor

Personalize this activity to fit your child!

Log in or create a free account to personalize, save, and track this activity.

Or discover more about TopParent at topparent.ai

Sign UpLog In
Stop-Start Wiggle

Description

Your toddler wiggles and dances while a shaker or song plays and stops when the sound stops, a simple, joyful first taste of the stop-and-go game.

What to prep

  • shaker
  • floor_space
Cost: FreeBest time: Anytime

Play guide

  1. 1Clear a small space and pick a shaker, a clap, or a short song to make the sound.
  2. 2Tell your toddler to wiggle and dance while the sound plays.
  3. 3Make the sound and dance along with them so they follow your lead.
  4. 4Stop the sound suddenly and stop your own body to show the freeze.
  5. 5Start again and repeat for a few short rounds, keeping it light and giggly.

Success signals

Your toddler moves their body when the sound plays. They pause or slow down when the sound stops, even if only for a moment. They laugh and want another round

If it's tricky

They do not stop at all: Freeze dramatically yourself so they copy you. Stopping confuses them: Just play the movement and drop the freeze for now. They get too wound up: End with a slow, gentle song to settle