Let’s Get Hopping…
It is important for your children to get their energy out. We all know it is hard to be stuck in the house and children more than anyone need to get out and burn energy. A fun and easy way to do this is by doing a hopscotch exercise circuit. You can make a fun hopscotch catered to their age. Using sidewalk chalk, create a hopscotch path for them to follow. Each stop/square can be a different activity. When they toss their pebble and it lands on one of the stops/squares, the child has to do that exercise. This can be repeated as many times as wanted. It is a great way for the children to get their energy out while also having fun.
Age-appropriate Adaptations:
- Two-year-olds—Some ideas for exercises can include: spinning, hopping like a bunny, stomping like a dinosaur, flapping your wings like a bird, etc. Young children love to connect physical movement to animal movements. Encourage them to make the noise associated with the animal movement for added fun.
- Three-year-olds—Some ideas for exercises can include: spinning, hopping on two feet, balance on one foot, jumping jacks, etc. You can ask them for their input and incorporate their favorite moves into the hopscotch squares.
- Four-/Five-year-olds—Some ideas for exercises can include: hopping on one foot, spinning, jumping jacks, sit-ups, crab walk, push-ups, etc. You can allow the children to come up with their own path and illustrations for the moves with the chalk. Encourage them to do every move leading up to the one the pebble lands on for added exercise.
Skills Supported: gross motor, self-expression and communication