Thursday, June 11, 2020

Creative ways to stay active through play

Creative Ways to Stay Active Through Play

How do you get your child moving without them realizing that they are actually exercising?  Pretend play is the key.  Children can pretend to move as superheroes, animals, their favorite characters from TV or movies, or different types of vehicles. Supplementing their movements with sound effects and songs are great ways to rev up their imaginations.

Here are some creative and playful ways to get kids moving. The only thing needed is the child’s imagination to guide them – No equipment needed.

Superheroes

• Superman/girl– arms in front of them & fly to the other side of the room
• Batman/girl – push their arms in front as they move across the room
• Aquaman/girl – they pretend to swim around the room
• Ninja – have them kick alternate legs in front & say “Cowabunga”
• Spiderman/girl – have them pretend to sling their web or climb the wall (like a ladder)
• Flash – have them run as fast as they can across the room

Animals

• Elephant – arms together in front & swing side to side like a trunk
• Frog – squat down low & hop like frog
• Alligator – arms extended in front, open & close arms like an alligator mouth
• Bunny – hop with two feet like a bunny – use their hands as bunny ears or paws
• Horse– gallop around the room
• Bear – walk on hands & feet

Transportation

• Airplane – arms out to the sides and fly
• Train – with arms bent at the elbow, move arms in small circles, parallel to their body. They can chug their arm and say “Choo – choo.”
• Race car– have them pretend to hold the steering wheel and drive like Lightening McQueen
• Boat – move their arms in a rowing motion, like they are pushing oars of a boat
• Fire Truck– drive the truck while making siren sounds. Once you get to the destination, use an imaginary fire hose to put out the fire
• Bus – pretend to hold a large steering wheel to drive the bus

Household items that could be used for indoor activities

Check out this list of creative ways to get kids moving with common household items.  These materials can be used for a variety of fitness activities and simulated sports.

• Balloons
  • Use as a volleyball
  • Try to tap inflated balloon up in the air
• Paper Plates
  • Balance on various body parts
  • Roll plate on its side
  • Place on the floor and march, run, hop on several plates like hopscotch
  • Throw like a frisbee
  • Use as a target.
• Two Socks Rolled Together – to make balls to toss
• Crumpled Paper – use as lightweight balls to throw, toss or hit
• Paper Towel Cardboard Roll
  • Use to balance items – plates, socks, crumpled papers
  • Use as a bat/ hockey stick
• Masking Tape – stick on floor to use to walk/balance on, jump over, as a net
• Empty Water Bottles
  • Use as cones to run around/hop over
  • Use as bowling pins, targets
• Pool Noodle
  • Balance items with the noodle
  • Use like a bat/hockey stick
• Bucket/Large Bowl – use as a target

You now have some ideas and tools to use with your child to encourage creative and active play while at home. So, clear an open space for your child, give them a few of the items listed above and let the fun begin!