10 Movement & Physical Activities for Children

These activities focus on movement. After almost two weeks of isolation, your children may have some pent up energy. Here are 10 movement & physical activities for children based off of our Semester of Learning! These activities are suggested by experts at Montessori San Dimas CA

1. Animals Walks 

Have your children stand in a line and then call out various animals. They then have to mimic the walk of that animal. I.e. If you said ‘Horse’ they would start galloping around the room.

2. Simon Says 

This is a great activity for listening skills and gross motor. You can do whatever actions you would like, which is what makes this activity so engaging. Have your children jump, spin or wave their hands around to get some of that energy out.

3. Balancing Act 

Place pieces of paper, towels, pillows, etc. on the ground for your children to follow along. Have them jump from one item to the next on one foot. This will work on their balance and coordination skills. 

little girl is trying to balance

5. Move it Move it 

For younger ages (toddler) have your child shift from one foot to the other along with their favourite song. Another option, have them jump, turn or take a step forward in time to the music.

4. Balance Beam

Put a strip of tape on the floor somewhere in your home with an open area. Have your child maintain their balance as they walk down the piece of tape. If they need something harder, have them go backwards, sideways or doing an animal walk!

6. Invisible Ball 

If you’re doing these activities indoors, it’s best not to throw around a ball. As a solution, use your imagination! This is also perfect for younger ages that do not have the developed coordination to catch a ball. So move around your living room and pretend to throw a ball at each other and your child has to catch it in a unique way every time! I.e. hand behind the back, bending over, while spinning and more. 

7. Endurance Training

For older children, have them do some body weight exercises. Practice squats and lunges. You can even make it a friendly competition and see if you or your child can do more! 

8. Obstacle Course 

Make an obstacle course in your living room! Have your children belly crawl from the couch to the chair and then side step to the ottoman, roll to the TV! The type of movements can be easily adjusted to your child’s age!

9. Mini-Catch

mini-catch

Find a small material (think bean bag size) and play catch with your child. Being able to catch a smaller item will work on your child’s hand-eye coordination. This will be at a much slower pace with underhanded throws vs. the invisible ball game.

10. Dance it Out!

Play a family favorite song and freestyle dance out that energy!

 You can also explore:

Stretching exercise for kids: Its benefits and safety measures to follow 

Expected cognitive development of 3-year-old children

Different types of proteins and other Protein rich foods for kids

Entertaining Your Home Bound Preschooler: 3 Tips
 

Reference: Child Adventures

 

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