Steady Steps Lesson Plan Steady Steps
Tier 3 Physical Therapy Lesson Plan
Duration 30 MIN
Audience
3rd Grade (Non-Verbal/ASD)
Focus
Balance & Core Stability
Approach
Playful & Sensory-Friendly
Objective
Guide the student through sensory-friendly balance challenges to strengthen core stability, increase focus, and build movement confidence. The student will independently complete a 10-step beam walk with visual supports and demonstrate improved attention during transitions.
Why This Matters
"Balance skills support motor coordination and sensory regulation. Tailoring activities to non-verbal learners with clear visuals and brief tasks fosters engagement, meets IEP goals, and boosts confidence."
Preparation & Materials
5 MIN PREP
Gather These Items
Balance Beam Tape
Stepping Stone Cushions
Visual Schedule Cards
Sensory Mat
Stopwatch & Tally Sheet
Chewy Tubes / Fidget Tools
Setup Checklist
• Place tape in a 10-step line on the floor.
• Arrange cushions 10" apart alongside the beam.
• Position Sensory Mats at start and end points.
• Arrange Visual Cards in sequence on a board.
• Review student's IEP goals before beginning.
Instructional Sequence
1
Warm-Up
5 Minutes
Focus on sensory regulation and joint mobilization to prepare for balance work.
Deep-pressure hugs/squeezes on the Sensory Mat (5s each).
Model arm circles and ankle rolls using clear gestures.
Offer a quick chew or fidget break to maintain attention.
2
Balance Challenges
20 Minutes
Core activity involving the tape beam and stepping stones.
Demonstrate slow, controlled steps on the tape.
Guide stepping stone transitions with single-step picture prompts.
Physically assist at the waist and fade support gradually.
Enforce 10s sensory breaks after every 2-3 steps.
3
Cool Down
5 Minutes
Relaxation and reflection to close the session positively.
Gentle leg-hug stretches on the Sensory Mat.
Provide calm verbal praise and a final chew break.
Review completed cards by tapping each image to celebrate effort.
Sensory Warm-Up Guide Sensory Warm-Up
Steady Steps: Session Start
5 MINUTES
Learning Objective
Provide sensory input and simple movements to regulate arousal, improve attention, and prepare the student for upcoming balance challenges.
Materials Needed
Sensory Mat
Chewy Tubes / Fidgets
Visual Schedule Cards
1
Deep-Pressure Hugs
1 MINUTE
• Invite the student to lie or sit comfortably on the Sensory Mat .
• Gently wrap your arms around their torso; provide firm, slow squeezes for 5–7 seconds.
• Release and repeat once more to help the student settle into the session.
2
Joint Mobilization
2 MINUTES
• Show the “Warm-Up” Visual Schedule Card.
• Model 3 slow arm circles forward, then 3 backward; physically guide each circle if needed.
• Model 3 ankle rolls on each foot; cue the student using clear gestures.
• Provide enthusiastic verbal praise or a smile after each completed movement.
3
Chewy / Fidget Break
2 MINUTES
• Show the “Break” Visual Schedule Card.
• Offer Chewy Tubes or Fidget Tools for a sensory regulation break.
• Allow 5 self-initiated chewing/squeezing motions at their own pace.
• Transition: Show the “Balance Challenges” card to signal the next phase.
Therapist Tip
Watch for signs of over-stimulation (covering ears, avoidance). If the student seems overwhelmed, extend the deep-pressure squeeze or provide a longer quiet break with the fidget tool before starting the joint movements.
Balance Beam Circuit Guide Balance Beam Circuit
Main Activity: Stability & Focus
20 MINUTES
Objective
Provide a sensory-friendly series of balance challenges that build core stability, focus, and confidence through gradual progression and frequent breaks.
Setup
• Tape beam (10 steps)
• Cushions (10" apart)
• Stopwatch & Fidgets
• Visual Cards
Station 1
Straight Beam Walk
4 Minutes
Visual Prompt: "Beam Walk" Card
Child walks 10 steps on the Balance Beam Tape .
Provide hand-at-waist support, fading to a gentle tap.
Time the walk with the Stopwatch .
Break: Chewy/Fidget (1 min)
Station 2
Stepping Stone Path
4 Minutes
Visual Prompt: Alternating foot icons
Child hops or steps from cushion to cushion (10" apart).
Follow beside to guard; minimize verbal prompts.
Use single-picture cues for each foot placement.
Station 3
Beanbag Balance
4 Minutes
Visual Prompt: "Beanbag Balance" Card
Child walks the beam with a beanbag on their head.
Encourage small steps to maintain posture.
Physically assist at the waist if balance is lost.
Station 4
Toe-to-Heel Walk
4 Minutes
Visual Prompt: "Toe-to-Heel" Card
Heel of one foot directly behind toes of the other.
10 slow, deliberate steps on the tape.
Minimal physical support; celebrate each correct placement.
Therapist Data Log
STATION 1 TIME
STATION 2 COMPLETION
BREAKS REQUIRED
NOTES / BEHAVIOR
Mat Cool-Down Guide Mat Cool-Down
Session Closing: Sensory Stretch & Regulation
5 MINUTES
Learning Objective
Provide a soothing, sensory-based closing activity to regulate sensory input, encourage self-awareness, and celebrate the session’s achievements.
Closing Kit
Sensory Mat
Visual Schedule Cards
Chewy / Fidget Tools
1. Transition & Setup
30 SEC
Show the “Cool Down” card. Gently guide the student to lie on their back on the Sensory Mat . Use a soft tone of voice.
2. Leg-Hug Stretch
1 MIN
Assist the student in drawing both knees toward their chest in a gentle hug. Hold for 5–7 seconds, then release. Repeat once.
3. Spinal Rock & Roll
1 MIN
With knees bent, gently rock the student side to side to massage the spine. Cue with calm gestures and minimal verbal prompts.
4. Balloon Breaths
1 MIN
Regulating the nervous system:
• Model hands on belly.
• Inhale (nose) for 3, exhale (pursed lips) for 3.
• Provide 3 guided breaths.
5. Self-Assessment
1 MIN
Offer the Chewy/Fidget tool. Prompt the student to indicate feeling:
3 SQUEEZES = HAPPY 1 SQUEEZE = OKAY
6. Session Closure
30 SEC
Tap through each completed Schedule Card. Celebrate with a gentle high-five or a quiet cheer.
Therapist Sign-Off
Post-Session Evaluation
Date
Signature
Visual Schedule Cards Printable Visual Schedule Cards
Print and cut these cards to guide the session sequence.
Cut Along Dotted Lines Laminate for Durability
START
Warm-Up
ACTIVITY
Balance Challenges
BREAK
Break
FINISH
Cool Down
Straight Beam Walk
Stepping Stones
Beanbag Balance
Toe-to-Heel
Success
Steady Steps Tracker Tally Sheet Steady Steps: Progress Tracker
Student Performance & Sensory Observations
Physical Therapy Data
Tier 3 Support
Student Name
Date
Therapist
Balance Circuit Performance
Station Trial 1 (Time/Result) Trial 2 (Time/Result) Level of Support (I, V, G, M, T) 1. Straight Beam Walk Example: G (Gestural) 2. Stepping Stones 3. Beanbag Balance 4. Toe-to-Heel Walk
I: Independent V: Verbal Prompt G: Gestural Prompt M: Minimal Physical T: Total Assistance
Attention & Regulation
Transitions
Visual Schedule Use
Fidget/Chew Response
Therapist Notes
Student Self-Assessment (Cool Down)
Happy (3 Squeezes)
Okay (1 Squeeze)
Struggling
