At Peekaboo, we believe in fostering holistic development in children, and one crucial aspect of this is physical development and gross motor skills. From crawling to running, jumping to climbing, these skills are the building blocks of a child's physical abilities. As children grow and explore their surroundings, it's essential to provide them with ample opportunities to engage in activities that promote movement and enhance their gross motor skills. In this blog post, we'll explore some fun ways parents can encourage physical activity at home, along with how we incorporate these practices at Peekaboo.
Create an Active Environment at Home Designate Play Spaces Set up designated areas in your home where your child can move freely and safely. This could include a playroom, a corner with mats for tumbling, or even just a clear space in the living room for dancing and jumping.
Outdoor Adventure Take advantage of outdoor spaces like parks, playgrounds, or your backyard. Outdoor play allows children to run, climb, and explore natural elements, enhancing their physical abilities and overall well-being.
Interactive Games Incorporate games and activities that involve movement, such as Simon Says, follow-the-leader, or simple obstacle courses using pillows and cushions.
Active Chore Time Turn household chores into opportunities for physical activity by involving your child in tasks that require movement. For example, have them help with sweeping, dusting, or folding laundry. Make it fun by turning on some upbeat music and dancing while you clean together. Not only does this promote physical activity, but it also teaches responsibility and instills a sense of accomplishment in children as they contribute to household tasks.
Family Fun Time Join in on the fun! Engage in active play with your child by playing catch, going for family bike rides, or having dance parties in the living room. Not only does this promote physical activity, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your child.
Model Healthy Habits Children learn by example, so be sure to model a healthy and active lifestyle. Let them see you enjoying physical activities like walking, jogging, or playing sports.
Incorporating Physical Activity at Peekaboo: At Peekaboo Daycare, we understand the importance of physical development in young children. Our curriculum is designed to incorporate various activities that promote movement and gross motor skills.
Outdoor Play Our outdoor play areas are equipped with age-appropriate equipment, allowing children to engage in active play. We also introduce yard games and simple sports activities that promote gross motor skills development, such as soccer, basketball, and relay races. These games encourage children to run, kick, throw, catch, and interact with others in a playful and active environment.
Indoor Gym Time We have dedicated indoor gym time where children can participate in activities like climbing, and parachute play, under the supervision of our trained caregivers. We often set up obstacle courses using materials such as cones, hoops, tunnels, and mats: fostering coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Yoga & Stretching We introduce simple yoga poses and stretching exercises to help children develop flexibility, balance, and body awareness.
Dance & Music Movement and music go hand in hand. Through dance activities and music sessions, children can express themselves creatively while improving their coordination and motor skills. Regular movement breaks throughout the day to allow children to release energy and refocus their attention as well.
Sensory Play We incorporate sensory play activities that involve gross motor skills, such as digging in sandboxes, playing with water tables, or exploring sensory bins filled with materials like rice, beans, or kinetic sand. These activities not only stimulate the senses but also encourage children to use their bodies in different ways as they explore and manipulate the materials.
Encouraging physical activity and gross motor skills development in children is vital for their overall growth and well-being. By creating an active environment at home and participating in activities together, parents can play a significant role in promoting their child's physical development.
Let's continue to inspire our little ones to move, explore, and reach new heights!