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Fun Ideas: Physical Play Activities

Tamariki love moving. Being physically active is an important part of everyday life to support the development of gross motor function. Finding ways every day for tamariki to use large and small muscles allows them to gain increasing control over their bodies.

To support physically active play, our Educators and Nannies are receiving a pack of balloons, accompanied with a video for inspiration on balloon play. Balloon play can include developing hand-eye coordination and large muscles in arms to bat a balloon up into the air continuously so it doesn’t touch the ground, or using feet to kick the balloon into a goal.

Developing gross motor skills through play is fun! Here’s some fun ideas for children/tamariki of all ages:

Infants

Place some interesting toys just out of pepi’s reach to encourage investigation using large muscles to wiggle, reach, roll, or crawl; hold a balloon or other interesting object and move it slowly side-to-side within baby’s eyesight – helps develop neck and head muscles and visual tracking skills; short amounts of tummy time on a soft flat surface, across your lap or on your chest – always stay with your baby during tummy time to keep them safe and follow their lead; create interesting and safe spaces for infants to crawl up and over.

Toddlers

Create an obstacle course that includes crawling, balancing, jumping/hopping using cardboard boxes, hula hoops, and draped fabric on a soft surface; visit the local playground; jump in rain puddles; throw a soft ball; play fun games like jumping in/out of chalk-drawn shapes.

Young Children

Larger, more challenging obstacle courses; learn some sporting skills such as kicking, throwing, or hitting a ball with a bat; dance to music; nature walks and climbing hills; play hopscotch and games such as “Duck, Duck Goose”.

The learning outcomes from Te Whāriki for gross motor skills include:

Wellbeing Mana atua - Their health is promoted. Keeping themselves healthy and caring for themselves | te oranga nui

Contribution Mana tangata - There are equitable opportunities for learning, irrespective of gender, ability, age, ethnicity or background. Treating others fairly and including them in play | te ngākau makuru

They are encouraged to learn with and alongside others. Using a range of strategies and skills to play and learn with others | te ngākau aroha

Exploration Mana aotūroa - They gain confidence in and control of their bodies: Moving confidently and challenging themselves physically | te wero ā-tinana