During our stint of social isolation, staying active & outdoors is important for everyone. Even with playgrounds closed and play dates out of the question, there are still multiple ways to engage in activities, learn skills, and stretch muscles while at home. If you can, get outside as much as possible and at least twice a day. Free play in a backyard, a game of frisbee, or a family walk or bike ride will do wonders for maintaining sanity.

While it’s important for children to have unstructured free time, keep in mind that due to our strange circumstances they will probably need more adult interaction during these playtimes, particularly if they are single children without their usual social opportunities. Use this time to dig out your old roller skates, brush the dirt off your cleats, or take a moment to recall all of those childhood games you used to play when you were young (Freeze Tag? Red Light, Green Light? Jump Rope Songs & Handclapping Games?)

It’s also possible to do physical activity inside, and even in small spaces. While not ideal, humans are experts at adapting to unique circumstances, and children are game for any activity if enthusiasm is shown by their adults. Teach primary children the correct way to do a pushup. Help them learn how to do jumping jacks. Roll a ball on the ground back and forth or do wall sits for as long as you can. Put on some music and have a dance off, then practice freezing when the music stops (always a favorite in the class environment). Google some basic yoga poses and have a family yoga session (always good times with a toddler climbing beneath you during Downward Dog—trust me on this one!) or even just have an old fashioned pillow fight.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/gross-motor-skills-for-preschoolers-1257160

https://activeforlife.com/49-fun-physical-activities-to-do-with-kids-aged-2-to-4/

If you’re trying to teach a new skill, keep in mind the age of your child and their skill sets. For instance, you found some jump ropes and your child is interested. Think through the skillsets you’ll need to help your child in their endeavor, and for their particular development level. For the youngest primary child lay the jump rope flat on the ground and have them jump over it, trying to not land on the rope. When that’s a success, start to move the jump rope (still on the ground) back and forth and have your child jump over in a game of ‘snake.” For older children, demonstrate how to hold each end of the jump rope in one hand, and how to place the rope behind them. Practice just looping the rope over their head and stepping through. With practice, focus on continuing that motion until it becomes fluid.

Below are a few more ideas for different age ranges to keep everyone moving.

2-3 Year Olds

• Kick a ball across the yard
• Collect rocks (cherry blossoms, pinecones, etc) and pile them into a bucket
• Chase bubbles
• Roll down a hill
• Trace a line in the dirt (or make one with chalk) and race matchbox cars around it

3-4 Year Old

• Toss a ball back and forth
• Play a game of Mother May I
• Learn how to do a summersault (tip: tuck your head to your chin!)
• Build an obstacle course with available materials
• Walk on a chalk drawn line (makeshift balance beam)

5-6 Year Olds

• Practice cartwheel skills
• Race or relay race with various movements (running, high knees, walking backyard, army crawling, with burpees, etc)
• Play a game of freeze tag (if there are enough people in your family)
• Learn how to jump rope or hoola hoop
• Play a modified game of kickball

Sincerely,

The Primary Guides

--Liz, Ryan, Morgan, Victoria, Emily & Meagan