Follow My Directions

1. 1

   Clear the living-room floor, mark a large square with tape, and gather a toy and a blindfold.

2. 2

   Explain the mission: “Deliver the toy into the square.” For the first round, your child keeps their eyes open, holds the toy outside the square, and faces the same direction as you.

3. 3

   Give one direction at a time: “Two steps forward. One step left. Stop and put the toy in the square.” Let your child move while looking.

4. 4

   Once the game is familiar, add the blindfold. Wait until your child has fully stopped before giving the next direction.

5. 5

   Switch roles. Wear the blindfold and ask your child to guide you with words such as forward, back, left, right, and inside. If they say, “Go that way,” ask, “Left or right? How many steps?”

6. 6

   For later rounds, move the square or change the starting point and take turns giving directions.

What to notice

• Moves and places the toy in the direction you name Geometry and Spatial Sense
• Maintains balance and takes steady steps while walking blindfolded Gross Motor

Tips

• If your child turns the wrong way, wait a moment. When they reach the edge of the room and notice the problem, check left and right together and try again.
• During the blindfolded challenge, have your child walk slowly and stay close enough to guide them around obstacles.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Following and using direction words while changing course helps your child judge where they are in relation to a target and strengthen spatial awareness.
• Movement: Walking while blindfolded asks your child to control their steps, shift their weight, and maintain balance.