Painter's Tape Paths Down the Hallway

Families learn in class how to make floor paths with painter's tape (straight, zigzag, spiral, with jumps) to recreate later in their hallway at home, and they travel them together in lots of ways: tiptoes, crab walk, heel-to-toe. It works balance, coordination and the idea that home is a place to move and play too.

How to play

1. The teacher shows a path already taped down and explains that at home all you need is a roll of painter's tape, which peels off without damaging floors (1 min).
2. Each child-and-grown-up pair tapes their own path about ten feet long, choosing straight, zigzag, spiral or ladder (3 min).
3. The child travels the path several ways: tiptoes, heels, heel-to-toe, crab walk (3 min).
4. The grown-up does it too, the way the child chooses; then they go together holding hands, one on each line if it's a double path (3 min).
5. Families switch paths to try each other's (3 min).
6. Peel the tape off together and roll it into a giant ball for the trash can (1 min).

Rules

• Walk on the tape without stepping off.
• Travel it a different way each time.
• Wait for the person ahead to finish.
• At the end, help peel off the tape.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: tape a wider path so a wheelchair or walker fits, or follow the line with a finger or toy car.
• Visual impairment: use thick tape or lay a cord on top so they can feel the path with bare feet.
• Autism: start with one straight path and one way of walking, adding the next when they ask for it.

Learning goals

• Keep balance while walking on a line.
• Vary ways of moving along a route.
• Learn a simple game to repeat at home with just one material.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Painter's tape: 6

Teacher tip

Choose painter's or masking tape: it peels easily and leaves no marks. For home, remind families that a hallway or a corner of the living room is plenty.

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