This lesson plan primarily focuses on helping toddlers practice their coordination, and balance gross motor skills. For this activity, you will need some colored construction paper, tape and a few encyclopedias or large books that are preferably all the same size. Wrap the books in the construction paper, and tape the construction paper so it stays put. Make a long bridge with the construction paper-covered books; the taped side of the construction paper should face down.
You can arrange the construction paper-covered books in a circle, a straight line or a curved path. The first time, guide each toddler along the balance walk. The second time have them try it by themselves, but walk alongside the balance path in case they need help. If you can, get a few gym mats so that they are protected if they fall.
You will help toddlers work all their large muscle groups with this gross motor skills toddler activity. Gather some blocks or other small items low enough that the children can step over them. Balls probably aren't the best idea because if a student misses while trying to step over and slips on the ball, it could cause an injury.
Set up four straight lines of spaced-out blocks, or you can make it like a minefield and put blocks all over the place--but just remember to keep the blocks spaced apart enough so the toddlers have appropriate room to take a step. Skill level may vary from class to class, so you can decide how far apart the blocks should be spaced. Once you've set it all up, if you decide to do the four straight lines, set a toddler in front of each course. Explain the game to your class by playing it while they watch. Now it's their turn. Say "Go!" and watch them try to make it to the end of the line without stepping on a block.
You can work on a variety of, or all gross motor skills with this game. Just get all the toddlers lined up in about two or three rows. You and a teaching assistant can stand in front and explain the directions to students. Students listen to what "Simon says," and perform the movement. Since this is a young age group, perform the action while you give out verbal instructions so that students can mimic.
You might say, "Simon says touch your toes," and watch for students to bend over and touch their toes. Or, "Simon says jump up and down," then watch them jump up and down. If you've noticed any areas where your class struggles with a particular gross motor skill, this activity is a great way to help develop those skills in a fun way. For example, if they have trouble coordinating, you might say, "Simon says touch your head with one hand and point to your nose with the other," at the same time.
Relax the rules of the original game, and allow students to continue playing even if they perform an action when you don't say "Simon says."