Kids seem to be on the move and physically active all the time, but as parents and caregivers we still need to find ways to encourage and support vigorous movement activities. Vigorous physical play is important for early learning and development and for kindergarten and school readiness too.
With hotly contested games at practically any hour, kids may be getting excited as well as adults. Using almost anything they can kick, kids can go outdoors for their own soccer fun.This could be in a fenced yard, the park, playground or neighborhood school field, if it’s not a school day.
But on rainy and inside days, children still need to be active and have an outlet for their energy. Kicking a ball in the house is a no-no; even a soft nerf ball can topple a lamp or a knock something breakable onto the floor. There’s no problem though with being the ball.
To play the game “I Am The Soccer Ball”, kids need to get down on the ground, that is down on the floor. The grownup gets to be the voice of the announcer and call the play, and kids get to be the ball and move all around. “And the soccer ball is now moving (crawling) around the coffee table, then it is zooming down the hall still on the ground.”
A kitchen chair transforms into the goal and can be moved but the other furniture can stay in place. If a rest is needed, the soccer ball can “…crawl right under the kitchen table where it stops.” That must be the signal for a break. Halftime could be snack and a drink of water.
Playing “I Am The Soccer Ball” on the floor is fun, besides being a whole body physical activity. Does this sound like a game your child would like to play?