Pull-along toy Activity
Pull-along toys support coordination as toddlers tow toys behind them, walking forward, checking behind, holding and stepping at the same time. When play is challenging, imagination and language are supported and toddlers gain confidence in how they move.
Why do it?
- This activity provides an opportunity to do 2 things at once — walking and pulling a toy.
- It’s also an opportunity for toddlers to practise their walking.
- And it can be a ‘pretend’ play activity to stimulate imagination and language learning.
How to do it
- You may already have a pull-along toy, or you can easily make one.
- You’ll need a sturdy box (a shoebox would do) and some string. Make a small hole in the end of the box and thread through a short piece of knotted string for your toddler to hold and pull.
- Make sure the string is too short to go around their neck and pose a choking danger.
- You could also attach an item to the pulling end, to give them something to hold on to — for example, a stick, pencil or bangle.
- They can pull on the string and take their toys for a ride, or ‘deliver’ items to other rooms.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pouaka | Box |
| Kōneke | Trolley |
| Pahi | Bus |
| Taraka | Truck |
| Wēkana | Wagon |
| Here | String |
| Haere mā runga i te kōneke | Ride in the trolley |
| He poto rawa | Too short |
| He roa rawa | Too long |
| Kaitaraiwa | Driver |
| Hīkoi | Walk |
| Kume | Pull or drag |
| Hīkoi whakamuri | Walk backwards |
| Kia tūpato | Be careful |
| Kua tae mai te pāhara | The parcel has just arrived |
