News & Results
Children's Day activities for under fives
Five ways to keep toddlers and preschoolers moving on Children's Day, Sunday 5 March. The free learning activities cover the five areas of the Move Laugh Grow Workshop.
Learn the benefits for our children and mokopuna, along with what you'll need and instructions.
Sensory Bottles
Benefits:
Added interest for baby during tummy time
Encourages reaching, crawling and eye tracking as the sequins slide
You will need:
- Plastic bottles and lids
- Tape
- Food colouring
/ dye (if you wish) - Gems, sequins, buttons, craft items etc
- Hair gel or old hand sanitizer
Instructions:
- Fill half the bottle with hair gel or hand sanitizer
- Add craft items
- Add a drop of dye for colour (if you wish)
- Tape securely. Then tip or shake
Pillow Road
Benefits:
Encourages crossing the midline
Requires both sides of the brain to work together
You will need:
- Pillows, beanbags
- Open boxes could be added to create a tunnel to crawl through
Instructions:
Create a bumpy road! Older children can assist to design this too.
Bubble Wrap Jumping
Benefits:
Large muscle use and core strength control
Develops balance and stability
You will need:
- Bubble wrap
- Tape
Instructions:
- Tape the bubble wrap to the floor
- Play some fun music
- Encourage children to march, hop or jump landing on two feet
Balloon Tennis
Benefits:
Encourages small muscles in the eye to track the falling balloon
Develops hand-eye coordination
Children can practice agility and control of their body
You will need:
- Balloons
- Used cardboard rolls, fly swats or other equipment
Instructions:
- Blow up the balloons
- Use the equipment as a bat to try and keep the balloons afloat
Telephone Conversations
Benefits:
Pretend play
Encourages listening and comprehension
A hands-on experience, while using a tangible resource makes learning more meaningful
You will need:
- Old phones
- Paper cups could also be used
Instructions:
- Using the old phones just talk, sing, read a book, tell a story
Learn More
The above activities were complied by our Early Childhood Advisor, Lisa Thomson. For more ideas and information about the benefits of movement for under fives join Lisa for her upcoming workshops.
