Keeping Fitness Fresh in Pre-K!

Keeping fitness fun and active with a mixed age group can be a challenge in the winter months.  Climbing sofa's, chairs, and tables are a natural choice for toddlers, but not a safe one.  So, in fun fitness style we MAKE time for fitness play in pre-k!

Brain Break!!

We use these several times each day!  When the children begin to run in circles, or just dump toys (and not proceed to play with them), it is a physical signal to me that they are done with their current activity and are getting bored.  Taking a "brain break" is a perfect way to refocus that energy into a constructive and positive skill building activity that allows them to move, groove, and get their self-regulation back!  Any activity that engages multiple senses is good for this.  Brain breaks include listening and full body movement making it a perfect way to learn new songs!

These are the ones we use most often in our class!

Our Food and Fitness theme from Mother Goose Time curriculum has brought us lots of opportunities for new songs, dances, and fitness fun!  

Our children LOVE to dance.  They LOVE to be able to dance to these sweet videos and it gives the plenty of opportunity to develop body awareness, coordination, and balance.

Bringing lessons into the classroom!

Ms. Melissa brings new yoga games, poses, and music each month right to our class.  Our children then spend time several times each week recalling and practicing the lesson she has taught us.  We practice our listening and observation skills, our coordination and balance, our breathing and focus.  She uses shapes, songs, ribbons, game cards and makes each lesson achievable for our mixed age group.

Most of our children participate in the group lessons.  We do have a few that just rather observe from the side than participate..  (And that's just fine too!)

Mr. Ninja makes his lessons incredible for our little one's aged 18 months-5 years.  Ever tried holding the attention of 10 children of that age span?  Mr. Ninja does a super job.....  The children just light up when they are allowed to punch, kick, chop, break boards, and yell (and it is encouraged!!!)  What a great confidence builder for our sweet babes!

Keeping little bodies busy when the weather is less than cooperative can be an opportunity for music, movement, and lessons that result in increased skills, balance, confidence, and fitness for preschool children.  We love the indoor winter months when we get creative and get moving!

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