Fitting Fitness Into Everyday

Even when the winter winds blow, we find a way to fit moving and grooving into each day.  Ice, snow, no matter.....from Karate to Yoga, we've got it covered!

The winter months can present such a challenge for large muscle play in Pre-K.  On days when the temperatures dip too low for outside play, we make a way for little bodies to stay healthy, fit, and active.  

There is no sadder child than the one stuck at a table doing worksheets all day; nothing that will induce, "I'm boooooored!" faster than a five year old tracing letters and numbers on end.  Heaven knows we can't have that!!  

This awesome child's yoga poster came from Mother Goose Time as a part of their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day "Peace Party" pack.  It is now a permenant part of our classroom and posted on the wall above our "Safe Place" or cool down area.  This is the little bench were children relax and regroup if they are out of sorts.  We have our calm down jars, our Peaceful Poses poster and game spinner, some books and soft dolls and the children seem to respond to this very well.  

The children in my mixed age setting are 16 months - 5 years.  The littlest ones simply move in and out of the group, sticking little bums up in the air during Downward Dog and joyously hopping around during Warrior Poses.  It is an incredible experience for them to have such a child focused teacher.  She makes it even more fun with "Snowman Pose," "Sled Pose," and making "Snowflake Soup."  I can't think of a better was to incorporate music and movement into some indoor large motor play.  Kuddos to our AMAZING yoga instructor Ms. Melissa!!

Then there is Mr. Ninja!  (the children named him!)

Mr. Denton Henrichs, aka Mr. Ninja, gives these kiddos a great outlet for punching, kicking, chopping, and using those big powerful muscles, especially when we can't make it to the slides and swings.  Look at that focus!  These children are aged 3-5!  Mr. Ninja also teaches at The Squatting Monkey.

We freeze dance, bunny hop, work out the wiggles with silly songs and chants, take "bear hunts" and don coats, hats, and gloves for even a few minutes of outdoor play as much as possible.  There are so many fun ways to engage little bodies and get them away from table time.  It is essential for growing brains and actually aids attention for children to PLAY!  

We are so fortunate to have a community that loves it's children and are willing to provide lessons that are preschool appropriate with love. 

As always, I wish you well and I hope you get to play today!

​-L