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Fun obstacle course

Time: 15 min Checked: 10 August 2026 Down syndrome

Goal

Develop gross motor skills, balance and confidence in movement.

What you need

Pillows · Chairs · A hoop or rope on the floor · Soft toys as the 'finish'

Important:Physical activity only with your pediatrician's approval: with Down syndrome, heart and neck-spine limitations must be ruled out first. Build the route without heights or slippery spots and always spot your child.

How to do it

  1. Build a simple route: walk between chairs, step over a rope, crawl under a table, reach the toy.
  2. Walk the route yourself, showing each stage.
  3. Go together, holding hands, encouraging at each stage.
  4. Gradually reduce help — let them go alone with you nearby.
  5. Finish with a celebration: a hug, clapping, 'hooray'.
How to know it worked:The child completes the route with help or partly alone, and happily repeats it.

Source: Gross motor development practices for Down syndrome; NDSS resources