Montessori Practical Life – Walking on a line

What you’ll need:

• A strip of masking tape on the floor (straight, or try a simple curve or zigzag)
• Socks or bare feet for best grip and movement

Let’s get started:

• Show your child how to walk slowly along the taped line.
• Encourage them to stay in control, walk quietly, and focus on the movement.
• If they step off the line, it’s not a mistake – it’s a learning moment! The line helps them self-correct, building independence and awareness.

This activity is ideal for toddlers from 18 months up and is especially useful on rainy days indoors.

Learning benefits:

Direct learning includes:

• Developing control over body movements
• Practising keeping a respectful distance from others

Indirect learning supports:

• Balance and coordination
• Focus and self-discipline
• Understanding personal space
• Visual feedback (the line itself acts as a ‘control of error’)

Ideas to extend the activity:

• Add different shapes like circles or zigzags to make it more challenging
• Talk about real-life safety – why it’s important to control our bodies, like when walking along a busy road
• Balance a bean bag or book on their head while walking the line
• Play music and ask them to move in rhythm while staying on the line
• Try a team game: one child walks while the other gives directions – great for communication skills!

No masking tape? No problem!

You can:

• Use a long scarf, piece of string, or chalk if you’re outside
• Draw a line with washable markers on tiled floors

Safety first:

Ensure the walking area is clear and safe and supervise any activities involving blindfolds or balance challenges.