Ages 1-3
Tummy Time
How to Perform: Place the child on their tummy on a soft surface, allowing them to push up with their arms. Encourage them with toys or your voice to lift their head and look around.
Benefits: Strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, improving motor skills and preparing the child for crawling and walking.
Supported Standing
How to Perform: Hold the child under their arms and allow them to bear weight on their legs while standing. You can also encourage them to hold onto furniture.
Benefits: Strengthens leg muscles and improves balance, which is essential for walking.
Reach and Grasp
How to Perform: Place toys slightly out of reach, encouraging the child to stretch, reach, and grasp.
Benefits: Enhances hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and upper body strength.
Ages 4-6
Animal Walks
How to Perform: Ask the child to imitate animals—like hopping like a frog, crawling like a bear, or waddling like a duck.
Benefits: Improves coordination, balance, and strength while encouraging imaginative play.
Simon Says
How to Perform: Play "Simon Says" with a focus on movements like jumping, balancing on one foot, or clapping hands.
Benefits: Develops listening skills, coordination, and body awareness.
Obstacle Course
How to Perform: Set up a simple obstacle course using household items like cushions, chairs, and tunnels for the child to navigate through by crawling, jumping, or balancing.
Benefits: Enhances agility, problem-solving skills, and gross motor development.
Ages 7-11
Jump Rope
How to Perform: Have the child jump over a rope being swung either by themselves or by someone else.
Benefits: Improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and leg strength.
Ball Sports
How to Perform: Engage the child in sports like soccer, basketball, or catch, focusing on running, throwing, and catching.
Benefits: Enhances teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and overall physical fitness.
Yoga
How to Perform: Introduce basic yoga poses like the tree pose, downward dog, or child’s pose. Practice deep breathing and stretching.
Benefits: Increases flexibility, balance, and mental focus, promoting a calm mind and a strong body.