Arrow Path

Building as Learning Aid – BaLA Painting

Location of BaLA Painting

This painting is best suited on a floor in the corridor space/waiting areas outside Foundational classrooms, enabling students to develop gross motor coordination, balance, body awareness, spatial orientation, and following directions.

Learning Objective

After interacting with the BaLA painting, students will be able to:

1. Develop competency in following the directions of the arrow mark as indicated in the drawing
2. Develop balance while jumping on the arrow marks 
3. Develop body awareness and spatial orientation
4. Learn to follow instructions and directions

Curriculum Alignment

Inclusive Design Considerations

Physical Accessibility

• Ensure the pathway is wide, non-slip, and free from obstacles to allow safe participation by all children, including those using mobility aids.

Accessibility for Students with Locomotor Disability

• Allow participation using a wheelchair or adapted movement; widen the pathway and reduce physical barriers. 

Accessibility for Students with Hearing Impairment

• Use sign language, visual symbols, demonstrations, and flashing cue cards instead of verbal commands alone.

Accessibility for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• Use simple instructions, repetition, and visual support with additional time for completion.

Accessibility for Students with Visual Impairment

• Provide tactile arrows, textured floor markings, and verbal or auditory guidance.

Accessibility for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Maintain a structured routine, use visual schedules, and gradually increase task complexity.

Description of Artwork

Wall/Floor layout: 

The arrows are strategically positioned to encourage children to perform various locomotor movements such as walking, hopping, jumping, and stepping while responding to visual cues. The design incorporates bright colours and clear directional symbols to attract children’s attention and facilitate easy understanding.

Dimensions:

• Height of each arrow: Approximately 30 cm 
• Width of each arrow: Approximately 20 cm 
• Floor area occupied: Approximately 2 m × 2 m (4 square metres) for an individual activity setup, which may be expanded to 3 m × 3 m (9 square metres) for group participation.

Colours used:

The Arrow Path Activity uses bright and contrasting colours to attract children’s attention, enhance visual discrimination, and facilitate easy identification of directional cues.

• Red – Used for upward and downward arrows to signify movement and capture attention. 
• Blue – Used for left and right arrows to provide a visual distinction between different directions. 
• White – Used for the background or border to create contrast and improve visibility. 
• Black – Used for outlines or floor markings (if applicable) to define the arrows clearly.

Materials required:

Photographs

Video: Arrow Path

Learning Activities Using the BaLA

Activity 1

Name: Follow the Arrows

Objective: To develop gross motor coordination, balance, and directional awareness.

Procedure:
Children walk by following the direction of each arrow (forward, backward, left, right).

Inclusive Adaptations:

• Peer assistance for students requiring support.
• Braille/tactile markers where possible.
• Visual cue cards showing steps.

Activity 2

Name: Count and Move

Objective: To Enhance counting skills and one-to-one correspondence.

Procedure:
Children count aloud the number of steps taken while following the arrow path.

Inclusive Adaptations:

• Use picture symbols for comparison.
• Pair students strategically for peer support.
• Allow verbal or visual responses.

Activity 3

Name: Alphabet Trail

Objective: To promote letter recognition and phonological awareness.

Procedure:

• Place alphabet cards along the path. 
• Children identify and pronounce the letter when they reach it.

Inclusive Adaptations:

• Use visual graphs and colour coding.
• Provide simplified recording sheets.
• Allow digital recording options where needed.

Assessment Opportunities

Observation Checklist

Teacher Resource Document