"Find a spot of your own...."

Finding a bit of space that is safe and unobstructed before any exercise is to be commenced is important in a group setting. It is also important when doing exercises at home in amongst the coffee table and the couch as well as with little brothers running around.

Just as I do when working with students, I have used the magic of 'imagination' to my advantage to teach my Preschooler how to find her own space.

I tell her to imagine she is in a big magic bubble...but just like regular bubbles it pops if bumped into so it must be kept away from other bubbles and furniture etc.  Make the bubble bigger by pushing the front of the  bubble out - hands outstretched. Push out the sides - body in a wide star shape. Push it up - reaching up high on tippy toes. (The bubble does not burst under the feet because it is magic). Look around and check that your bubble is not going to bump into anything. If you think your bubble might bump into anything, find a different spot.

This works whenever there is a need to spread out in a defined area - big or small. After a while, finding a spot of their own is as simple as finding your own bubble space.

It is necessary to tell little ones that there is air in bubbles...no need to hold your breath.