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Tips for an Article on Getting Kids Moving...

Hello, Friends! Getting kids active and moving--any anecdotes, tips, games, etc? For a Lifetime Moms article. Will credit to your name (and title/qualifications, if you like...ie: "Physical Therapist" "Kindergarten Teacher" "Mom of three" whatever is relevant) and link your blog if you leave both. Feel free to comment here or pm me! Thanks!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Barbara Gini on April 19, 2012 at 8:00am

Hi Candace!

This is a great topic! topic and one I am passionate about. I work with children with autism and other special needs. Its especially important to keep them moving not only for health & sensory integration, but for social learning as well!

What I've done is used storytelling as a theme, and I have the kids tell the story through movement. Kids love stories and you can do this activity using a classic story such as "Where the Wild Things Are" or a myth, legend, Native American wisdom story or even a video game/cartoon theme like Yu-gi-oh!, Mario or Dora The Explorer.

Basically, I introduce a topic or begin telling a story, and I prompt the children to take turns telling the next part of the story and making up the movements to go with it: (Example, swimming across the river or climbing a tall mountain, etc.)

There is a movement or 'pose' for each character and I prompt the kids by saying: "What would your body look like if it was a... [tree/boat/montain], etc" ? and then giving them an example if they get stuck. Its lots of fun and encourages healthy movement, cooperation, inclusion, and creative thinking, all at the same time! Even better if its done outdoors!