Take time to enjoy play outdoors at least 20 minutes each day. Shorter times spread throughout the day work well and can be a way to take some instructional activities to new settings. Below are more ideas to do indoors or outdoors to help children be active.

1. Write each child’s name on a piece of paper. Then have them use their bodies to spell out each letter of their names. Write down other names or words to spell out each letter. Have them practice the first letters from others’ names and identify the sound those letters make. Or have the other children guess whose name is being spelled.
2. Give each child a scarf. Have them move using the scarves to demonstrate different concepts like high/low, loud/soft, fast/slow, over/under, etc. This can also be done to music.
3. Set up a challenge course. Place Frisbees around the room or playground, have the children stop at each spot to perform a task such as 10 jumping jacks, spin around 3 times—then change direction and do it again, crawl to the next Frisbee while you spell your name, etc.
4. Use an old pillowcase as a jumping bag. Encourage children to jump from one place to the next. Place cones (or similar) and have them jump around them. Set up relay races that require jumpers to exchange the bag.

For more information about supporting a child’s development, visit helpmegrowmn.org. Tips can be found in the Encouraging Healthy Development section of the website.

Portions of this content, developed by Help Me Grow Minnesota, may have previously appeared elsewhere.