The Treehouse Steps

Aerobic steps and low boxes lined up make the staircase to a treehouse: children climb up, walk along the top and step down one level at a time, no jumping, with mats all around. It builds balance while changing height on the move.

How to play

1. Line up steps and boxes of different (all low) heights with mats around them; a hoop at the end is the treehouse door (2 min).
2. Step up and down a single step many times: "First one foot, then the other" (3 min).
3. Travel the whole line, stepping up and down each step, with the teacher alongside (4 min).
4. Climb without using your hands, and step down sideways like on a narrow staircase (2 min).
5. At the treehouse, crawl through the hoop door and wave from the window; head back along the other side (2 min).
6. Sit in the treehouse and count how many steps the staircase had (1 min).

Rules

• I step up and down, I never jump.
• One friend on each step.
• If I wobble, I crouch down and hold on with my hand.
• I wait for the next step to be free.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility go up and down crawling or sitting, with an adult behind, or use a parallel ramp.
• Blind or low-vision students: high-contrast steps, and the adult says "up" or "down" before each one.
• Children nervous about height start on the floor-level steps and choose when to try the higher ones.

Learning goals

• Keep their balance stepping up and down during a course.
• Control foot placement when changing height.
• Take on a small personal challenge at their own pace.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Aerobic steps or low boxes: 6
• Floor mats: 6
• Hoops: 1

Teacher tip

Nothing taller than the children's knees, and always mats around. Check that no step wobbles before you start; one wobbly step is all it takes for a scare.

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