MV T4.01Walking While Carrying
The new walker carries objects across the room for a real purpose: a toy to the shelf, a basket to the table, a cushion to the book corner.
Age 13 mo–20 moWork 1 of 9 in Walking, Climbing, and Balance
Safety
- Carried objects are light, unbreakable, and have no sharp edges while the child's walking is still unsteady.
- The child does not walk with food, a spoon, a toothbrush, or any object in the mouth, because a fall can push it into the throat.
Presentation
- 1
Wait until the child walks steadily without holding on.
- 2
Choose a real task, such as returning a toy to the shelf, and ask: 'Will you carry the basket to the shelf?'
- 3
Show how: hold the basket by the handle at your side, walk slowly to the shelf, and set it down.
- 4
Hand the basket to the child and walk beside them at their pace. Setting the basket down at the shelf is the point of interest.
- 5
Thank the child when they arrive.
- 6
Offer other carrying tasks during the day: their cup to the table, their shoes to the bench.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Carry an object held in two hands in front of the body
- Carry an object in each hand
- Carry a larger, light object such as a cushion that blocks part of the view
- Carry their own work to a mat or table
Control of error
The object: if the child walks too fast or looks away, they drop it or bump into furniture.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Walks across the room carrying an object in two hands without falling
- Carries an object in one hand while walking
- Squats to pick up an object and stands again without holding on
- Carries their own work to where they will use it