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Parent Corner: Indoor Active Games

Spring has finally sprung. However, rainy days mean indoor days, so we still need to keep ourselves and our children busy in a fun and active way. The last week of April is “Turn off the Screens Week”. Instead of adults and children watching their favourite television shows, here are some fun and active games to play.

Physical fitness is important for all of us, especially on the days when we cannot go outside. Being active keeps our hearts pumping, our energy level up and helps our brains get all the oxygen they need. When playing inside always remember to move furniture and unsafe objects out of the way when setting up your active area. Don’t forget the music!
 

Infants
The Kicking Game
Lay your baby on his back and hold up one of his favourite stuffed toys. Get close enough so your baby’s feet can reach the toy and the baby is able to kick it. The kicking game will help build strong legs, which will help develop muscles needed for when your baby learns to crawl and walk. Always talk and giggle with your child to build a fun, loving and positive bond with him.

Creepy Crawly
This activity will help your baby use both sides of her body at the same time. This is important for when your baby learns to crawl. Place your baby on her tummy either on a blanket or clean, smooth surface. Lay one of her favourite toys in front of her slightly out of reach. Encourage your baby to stretch her arms to reach for the toy. When she retrieves the toy, move it a little further and keep playing for as long as she is interested.
 

Toddlers
Head and Shoulders
This is a great active song to get children moving and teach them the names their body parts. Sing it slowly the first time so your child can get used to the game. After a few times pick up the pace. Your toddler will get more active and giggle and laugh as he tries to keep up.

Tippy Toes
For this activity all you need are your feet and some music. You and your toddler can tip toe around the house while listening to music. Encourage your toddler to move faster and slower, depending on the music. This will help develop balance. When they are tired of tip toeing you can become different animals moving to the music to keep your child active.

Row Row Row your Boat
A nice game to relax and wind down to, this song helps stretch the legs, arms and back. Sit on the floor and hold hands with your child and pretend to row your boat while you sing the song. Leave out parts of the song out so your child can fill in the words.

Preschoolers
Hop Scotch
Hop Scotch can be purchased, or made out of construction paper taped to the floor or carpet. If it is a nice day out, get out the sidewalk chalk and make one in your driveway. This is a great activity to keep your child active while learning numbers and counting.

Simon Says
To make this game a little more active have ‘Simon’ get the child to move around the room pointing at different objects - for example: "Simon says touch the window." ‘Simon’ can also get your child to jump, hop and crawl. Once the child understands the game give him the opportunity to be ‘Simon’ and encourage him to think of active ways to move.

The best way to keep your child active is to set an example. “Turn off the screens” week is the perfect time to get busy as a family. What a great way to bond, teach and have fun with your child.
 

written by Rita, Program Assistant at the Stratford Early Years Centre

We are proud to be the host agency for the Perth-Middlesex Early Years Centres.