Zigzag Lines

Zig Zag as a pathway appears in many sports and team games; skiing, dribbling in hockey, ducking and weaving in ball games. Changing directions whilst moving at a pace is described at agility and is important in many running games.

Seeing the patterns, and then using the patterns in their movement experiences gives them the foundation for when they search for a way to navigate through obstacles.

I used masking tape to make one zigzag line on the rug. We then walked along it, pushed toy cars along it and then stepped, ran and jumped over it. Many creative suggestions were put forward regarding how one might travel along and/or over it.

This activity took place over the course of the day. The zigzag line was put in place at breakfast. Allowing plenty of time for the inspiration and ideas to flow through and then the opportuntiy to return to the activity results in richness in the results - one of the many benefits of doing PhysEd at home.

Also, a larger carpeted area would have also been handy.

'What's the time Mr Wolf?'

Lunch time!!

Today, whilst on an excursion to the zoo, we stumbled upon a beautiful bit of outdoor space in our search for a spot to sit for lunch. A patch of grass, dappled shade, trees, shrubs - just perfect for a game of 'What's the time Mr Wolf".

My Preschooler had a turn at being the Wolf first. Counting is a really big 'thing' right now. 13 was the call - so she only had a couple of calls before I was right upon her. When I was close enough, I snatched the hat and ran back to base (which was the stroller). Not bad since I had my toddler in my arms.

When it was my turn (with the toddler still in my arms) I included my toddler into the game by holding up his fingers to represent the time ie. number of steps to be taken. Since the numbers we chose were small, we had several calls to make. At the call of lunchtime, we chased the Preschooler back to base - safe to play another time.
 
 It does not take long for the enthusiastic to learn the strategy and rules of the game. The wolf lures the participants close enough to him so that he can call out 'lunchtime' and catch someone. The participants tries to get as close to the wolf as possible to steal his 'treasure' (in my case, it was the hat - but a ball or scarf tucked into the pants would be safer) and return to the safety of the 'base' - usually a line (or in my case, the stroller).

Lots of fun.

This game is so perfect for Preschoolers as it involves few rules, counting, singing, estimating space, strategic thinking, anticipation, developing reaction time, agility - gleefulness. Having a turn at being the Wolf also builds self esteem.

I usually play this game with larger groups but as I found out today, it worked with just the three of us.

And now, it is bed time.

Kindayoga

While on the topic of DVDs...there is one other we like to put on and follow along whilst still in our pyjamas.

KindaYoga.- Jungle Story Vol 1. Found here.

I have been attending Yoga classes - albeit inconsistently - over the past ten years and so have built up knowledge and experience of how it is best delivered to those new to and still discovering it.

It is very child friendly and introduces yoga in a very fun and appropriate way.

I particularly love the quiet breathing.

We can now do some of the poses without the DVD - and practise it together on the grass in the backyard. I have also borrowed the breathing technique when the need to bring the energy/anxiety level down a few notches arises.

So, Kindayoga is with us all the time.

Rock, Bridge, Tree Relay

Every PE teacher has a  few favourite games they revert to. I would like to share one of mine here -albeit modified for my little one and her friends. This game develops fitness, reinforces their understanding of position/direction words, improves teamwork, spatial awareness and coordination . It is also a lot of fun.

The actual game is a relay race - teams of four are spaced along a line. One member of the team is the Runner, one is a Rock, one is a Bridge, and one is the Tree. The runner sprints to and jumps over the Rock, crawls under the bridge and circles the Tree - sprinting in between. Then the members of the team change roles.

This is how I modified it for my Preschooler and her friends.

Practice the positions first; as well as transitioning form Rock to Bridge to Tree. Nominate a Preschooler to be a runner who stands with me at home base, while the other Preschooler is about 5m away in the shape of the Rock.

 On the word "Go", the runner runs to the Rock, jumps over it and runs back to me for a high five.

 

 Meanwhile the Rock turns into a Bridge. Immediately after the high five, the runner sprints to the Bridge, crawls under it and returns to me for another high five.

Meanwhile, the Bridge turns into a Tree. Immediately after the high five, the runner sprints back to the Tree and runs around it before returning home for the final high five.

 Swap roles.

Adjust the running distance to allow for the appropriate amount of time between the home base and the Rock, Bridge, Tree. Take the opportunity to emphasize the position/direction words written above in bold.

There will be huffing and puffing in amidst all the laughter.

Music and Movement...

...go together like a Horse and Carriage. Where would Early Childhood Education be without it?

Children LOVE it, every early childhood educator would have to admit they get a kick out of it, and I am pretty sure parents dig it too.

And there are so many 'music and movement' offerings on the market - some more music than movement. Where to begin?

Here is my recommendation:

This is the blurb:
These field-tested "learning through movement" activities encourage eye-hand, aural-motor, and visual motor coordination. They also develop body image, balance, laterality, directionality, and visual perception. Easy to introduce to your class, the activities do not require partners or constant teacher direction. 

You can hear samples of each track from Perceptual Motor Rhythm Games 
Check out the track Move Like A Machine (Electronic) and Clap and Shake #1 (Ballin' The Jack) with voice cues.

I bet you won't be able to stop grinning and tapping your toes.

Have a listen and drop me a line to tell me what you think - especially if you try it on your little ones.

What about you? Do you have a recommendation you would like to share? Click on the word 'comment' at the end of the post. I would love to hear from you.

"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.