Fun with a Tape Line

As an OT working in the schools, there's nothing better than not having to drag large items or a super heavy bag to school after school-  so when there are simple activities that don't require this, you're in luck.  A roll of masking tape is an awesome, small and lightweight tool!  You can use it to work on a variety of skills, including balance, locomotor skills and crossing midline.  This makes for a good group activity, too, so you can try it with all of your students for a classroom motor activity.  Here are some activities that you can do with a tape line:

Balance and Locomotor Skills:

• walk backward and forward along the line
• walk heel to toe along the tape line; walk heel to toe backward

• side step to the left down the length of the line and then to the right

 

• jump over the line
• jump over and back down the length of the line- jumping forward and back, jumping side to side over the line

• tip toe down the line
• scissor step down the line

To further work on crossing midline:  

• cross the feet back and forth across the line as you make your way along the line
• on hands and knees, cross your hands across the line in a similar manner.  You can also put a tape line on the wall and cross your hands across the line, making your way up and down the line on the wall.  

To further work on motor planning:

• curve the line, make the line zig zag or make a shape on the floor with the tape, and practice the same skills above.