Lately I’ve been noticing my daughter’s need to “walk-a-line” as she calls it. She’s testing her body’s ability to balance on narrow, low to the ground walls etc.
With this in mind I thought I’d make her a balance beam!
It’s super easy to do so I’ll talk you through it here. I made ours from scraps of wood we had lying around.
You’ll need:
One length of narrow wood for the beam. I used a length of 2 by 2.
Two shorter and wider pieces of wood to lift off the ground. I used 2 by 4.
4 screws long enough to go through both pieces of wood
A screw driver
A drill
Sandpaper
Here‘s how:
Take your two pieces of wood that will be the ‘feet’ and lay them parallel to each other on the ground.
Lay your beam on top, with no more than 2 inches of overlap at either end. If you place the feet too far from each end the end of the beam, it will flip up as your child walks on the end of it.
Use a set square to make sure the feet are at 90 degree angles to the beam, or if you haven’t got one, use a piece of card or a book.
Make two marks on the beam where you’ll drill your pilot holes. Make them diagonal to each other for better security.
Drill your holes through both pieces of wood using a drill bit that’s thinner than your screws.
Screw your screws in.
Repeat steps 3-6 for the other end of the beam.
Sand down any ragged edges and...
You’re done!
Super simple but so effective! Pop it on flat ground and let your kids loose on it. Place near a wall or fence if your child needs more support then move it away as they gain confidence.
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