tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546090807140740442024-03-10T20:23:05.113-07:00SHARIN' with SHARRONMovement, Play and Physical Activity for ChildrenSharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-87886805618344550112012-12-18T10:05:00.000-08:002012-12-18T10:05:06.915-08:00I've Moved!Hi, this is Sharron and I am so excited to tell you that <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.wordpress.com/?utm_source=Blogger&utm_medium=Weblink&utm_campaign=Invite_To_Wordpress" target="_blank">Sharin' with Sharron</a> is now hosted on Wordpress. Just click <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.wordpress.com/?utm_source=Blogger&utm_medium=Weblink&utm_campaign=Invite_To_Wordpress" target="_blank">here</a>! Please change your bookmarks so you can keep up with my latest activities!Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-34570215694569597512012-12-06T12:46:00.004-08:002012-12-06T12:46:59.139-08:00Winter and Holiday Active Play Ideas'Tis the season for holiday celebrations and parties--whether they are in the classroom or with the family. What to do that is age appropriate for children and doesn’t involve sweet treats or a screen? The following active play ideas can be done indoors or outdoors depending on the space available and the weather. It’s time to begin the festivities and liven up the party!<br />
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<strong>Wrapping Paper Breakthrough.</strong> Set up boundaries using <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Cones</a> or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop%20around%20steps&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> 15 to 24 feet apart. Two adults at the “finish line” hold a sheet of wrapping paper (~ 22” x 24”) with each hand on a corner. When you say, “Get ready, get set, run,” the child at the “start line” (with the palms of his hands touching and pointing forward) runs and breaks through the wrapping paper! <br />
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<strong>Reindeer Pull.</strong> Distribute a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Jump Rope</a> to a pair of children. The two children are hitched together by one child placing the rope around the waist of his partner who is a Reindeer (i.e., “Rudolph”) and the other child is “Santa” holding onto the rope ends or handles. When “Santa” gives the signal “Giddy up” the Reindeer, “Rudolph” is to gallop, moving forward. Add some fun holiday music, such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” When the music stops, have the children switch places, taking turns being “Rudolph” and “Santa.” This is a favorite activity as children go prancing around!<br />
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<strong>Snowball Throw.</strong> Give each child two pieces of white 8 1/2-by-11 inch scrap paper or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16898&es=4523500000w&keyword=9ne&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">9-by-12 inch inexpensive easel paper</a>. Have them wad each piece of paper up and make two “snowballs.” Divide the game playing area in half by placing a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">jump rope</a> or clothesline on the ground. Divide the children into equal numbers and place them facing each other on opposite sides of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">rope</a>. Have the guests drop their snowballs onto the ground. Tell them to pick up their snowballs (one at a time) and throw them across the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">rope</a> to the opposite side when the music starts. (I like to play the song "The Heat Is On”). Now we have a good old-fashioned Snowball Throw going on! The Snowball Throw is over when the music ends. For instant cleanup, have the children try to make a basket as they toss their snowball into a waste basket or brown paper grocer bag.<br />
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<strong>Holiday Musical Balloons</strong>. Give each child an inflated balloon. Christmas Colors: Red and Green. Hanukkah colors: Blue and White. Kwanzaa Colors: Black, Red and Green. I like to use 9” or 11” balloons that are of helium quality, as they are “thicker skinned” and do not pop as easily. Let each child write (help if needed) their name on the balloon with a permanent marker. Have children sit down in the open space. Instruct them to stand up and keep the balloon in the air using their hands when they hear music (play rockin’ holiday tunes). When the music stops they are to grab their balloon and sit down immediately. The game continues with the children “keeping” their balloons in the air when the music is playing and holding their balloon and sitting down when the music stops. Provide further physical challenges by asking the children to keep the balloons in the air with different body parts: one finger, an elbow, a knee, a foot, their head. Be creative!<br />
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<strong>Hang the Stockings.</strong> Christmas is coming and its time to hang the stockings on the fireplace. How fast can you do it? String a clothesline between two chairs or two trees. Provide baskets of assorted Christmas stockings (regular socks will work just as well) and spring-type <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15909&es=4523500000w&keyword=clothespins&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Wooden Clothespins</a>. Young children find enjoyment just in hanging them up. Its a fine motor skill, challenging children to use the small muscles in their fingers. Divide older children into teams and have them “beat the clock.”<br />
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<strong>Indoor Ice Skating.</strong> Attach <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&keyword=dixie&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">paper plates</a> to the bottom of children’s shoes with big rubber bands or by wrapping <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23402&es=4523500000w&keyword=masking%20tape&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">masking tape</a> around the shoe and plate. The children are now ready to skate away. This technique works great on carpet. For hardwood or tile floors, simply wear a thick pair of wool socks. Add some music (i.e., “The Skater’s Waltz”) and play freeze skating. When the music is playing, “All Skate.” When the music stops, children freeze in place.<br />
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<strong>Ring the Bell.</strong> Hang a bell or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2150&es=4523500000w&keyword=jingle%20wrap&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Jingle Wrap</a> from the ceiling or beam. Have children stand inside a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&es=4523500000w&keyword=hula%20hoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hoop</a> and throw a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Beanbag</a> or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29282&es=4523500000w&keyword=foam%20ball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Foam Ball</a> and try to “Ring the Bell.”<br />
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<strong>Very Merry Christmas Wish.</strong> This game is based on the old Duck Duck Goose/Tisket a Tasket song activity. Have all the children sit down in a circle and choose one child to be “It.” “It” walks around the outside of the circle, holding the jingle bell or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2150&es=4523500000w&keyword=jingle%20wrap&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Jingle Wrap</a>, while the group sings (to the tune: “A Tisket a Tasket”)<br />
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<em>It's Christmas, It's Christmas,<br />And all our friends are with us.<br />I'll choose the one to give my wish<br />a Very Merry Christmas!</em><br />
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The child walking around with the jingle bell rings it and then drops it behind one of the children sitting there. That player picks up the bell and runs after “It,” who is running around the circle back to his place in the circle. The player holding the jingle bell is now “It” and walks around the outside of the circle, dropping the jingle bell behind someone who has not yet had a turn. The game ends when every player has had a chance to ring and drop the bell.<br />
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<strong>Scrambled Eggs and Icebergs.</strong> Tell the kids that when they hear the words "scrambled eggs," they are to jog around in the open space without bumping into each other. When they hear the word, "icebergs," they are to freeze in place without falling down. Tell them you'll also give them other movement commands, such as "jump," “march,” “tiptoe,” etc. When they hear the new command, they must switch to the new movement. Try to trick them by repeating a command twice in a row!Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-79117156386993240302012-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:002012-11-12T10:23:48.267-08:00Infant and Toddler Movement ScarvesAccording to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, good toys for young children are ones that “match their stages of development and emerging abilities.” <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"> Toddler Movement Scarves</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">MOOVIT</a>) are sized for the very young child (birth-36 months old). Each <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Toddler Movement Scarf</a> consists of 3 colorful 10” square sheer <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a> securely attached to a velcro wrist band. It’s an appropriate version of the “streamer ribbon” for the toddler set. Here are several fun activities that develop gross and fine motor skills, promote moderate to vigorous physical activity, and boost brain development. Get moovin’ and groovin’ with your little ones!<br />
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<strong>Floating Scarves Ages: birth-18 months</strong><br />
Lie the infant on its back and move the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a> above their face. Slowly move your hand up and down, in circles, and to the right and left. This activity provides practice with visual tracking.<br />
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<strong>Peek-A-Boo Ages: birth-18 months</strong><br />
Sit on the floor with the baby, and cover your face with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a>. Take off the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a> and say, "Peek-a-boo." Do this a few times before trying it on the baby. Then cover the baby's head with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a>. Stop immediately if the baby shows any sign of disliking this. Pull the scarves off and say "Peek-a-boo." Along with being fun, peek-a-boo teaches babies the concept of object permanence, which occurs somewhere between the ages of 4 and 12 months. A baby learns that even if something is out of sight, it still exists. <br />
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<strong>Peek-A-Toy Ages: 8-18 months</strong><br />
Sit on the floor with the baby. Cover a toy with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a> and say, "Where's the toy?" Let the baby find the toy by pulling off the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a>. This activity promotes eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills.<br />
<strong>Car Wash Ages: 8-18 months</strong><br />
Encourage gross motor development by attaching the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarves</a> to a pole or chairs to create a tunnel or “car wash” for the baby to crawl through.<br />
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<strong>Movement Exploration Ages: 2 + years</strong><br />
Encourage children to use their imagination and be creative with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a>. It can be a tail on a horse, a butterfly, a falling leaf, etc. Run with it and pretend it’s a kite. Look at the world through the tint of the fine mesh fabric. What do you see? What else can you do with your <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a>? Movement exploration allows children to problem solve, explore spatial relationship skills, and use their large muscles.<br />
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<strong>Scarf Dancing Ages: 2 + years</strong><br />
Start the music and bodies start moving. With a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> in their hand or around their wrist, encourage the children to dance and move about freely in the open space. Suggest to the children that they move the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> fast, slow, high, low, side to side, and all around. Tell them that when the music stops, they are to stop and freeze (stand motionless like a statue). When the music starts again, children resume dancing. Ask children to follow along as you swish the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> across the front of your body, make figure eights in the air, circle the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> in front of your body like a Ferris wheel or circle it over your head like a helicopter blade.Try to trick the dancers by starting and stopping the music quickly. They love the element of surprise! Use all different types of music: fast, slow, classical, rock, salsa. When playing a slow song, suggest the children twirl, leap and float to the music. <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Scarf</a> dancing promotes cross-lateral movements (crossing the midline) and develops body and space relationships, agility, flexibility, and listening skills.<br />
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<strong>Run Like the Wind Ages: 2 + years</strong><br />
On your mark, get set, get ready, GO! Have children run from one boundary to another with their <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> in hand or on their wrist. They will ask to do it again and again. Running, is a locomotor skill and a form of vigorous physical activity that increases the heart rate while improving fitness.<br />
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<strong>Musical Follow the Leader Ages: 2 + years </strong><br />
Play “Follow the Leader.” Have children stand in a line, one person behind the other. When the music starts, the child at the head of the line does a movement with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> and all children will move their s<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">carf</a> in the same way as the leader (i.e., waving <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> overhead, swinging arms back and forth, jumping with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a>, galloping with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a>, etc.) When the music stops the child that was at the front of the line goes to the back and the next child in line becomes the leader. The music starts again and the game continues until everyone has had a chance to be the leader.<br />
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<strong>Shake to My Lou Ages: 2 + years</strong><br />
Use the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30188&es=4523500000w&keyword=toddler%20movement%20scarves&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scarf</a> as you sing the following song and do the appropriate movements<br />
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<strong>Shake to My Lou (Tune: “Skip to My Lou”)</strong><em>Shake, shake, shake to my Lou, (Shake scarf in front of body)<br />Shake, shake, shake to my Lou, <br />Shake, shake, shake to my Lou, <br />Shake to my Lou my darling. <br />Shake up high, shake down low, (Shake scarf overhead, then down by feet)<br />Shake up high, shake down low,<br />Shake up high, shake down low,<br />Shake to my Lou my darling.<br />Shake to the right, shake to the left, (Shake scarf on one side of body and then the other)<br />Shake to the right, shake to the left,<br />Shake to the right, shake to the left,<br />Shake to my Lou my darling.<br />Shake it out, shake it in, (Shake scarf with arms extended to the sides, bring arms together in front of body)<br />Shake it out, shake it in,<br />Shake it out, shake it in,<br />Shake to my Lou my darling.</em>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-57342368974314668662012-10-09T11:43:00.000-07:002012-10-09T11:43:21.298-07:00No Child Left Inside! Extend Your Classroom OutdoorsTake your classroom outdoors! There is a huge focus on the Outdoor Classroom now, due in large part to Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods,” which ignited a renewal of the return-to-nature movement for children. I grew up in the 1950s and 60s where we spent most of our childhood outside in natural settings, with lots of unstructured free time, and little or no adult supervision. Today many children are preoccupied with electronic devices, inside and in front of screens, eating junk food, and lacking in physical activity, let alone contact with nature. October 14-20 is “Take It Outside Week!” Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS) created Take It Outside Week in 2009. The third week of every October marks a time to celebrate the natural world and encourage educators, families, and caregivers to make time outdoors an important part of young children’s daily lives. I support this and encourage you to visit my <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2011/10/lets-go-outside-and-play.html" target="_blank">October 2011 post</a> where I shared ideas and activities that you can include in your Outdoor Classroom. <br />
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My first job as an early childhood educator was that of an Outdoor Teacher at a parent co-operative preschool. Back then, in 1977, no one had even heard of a preschool teacher having a job as the “Outdoor Teacher.” Our preschool was behind a church and the classroom doors were always open to the outside playground which had a climbing structure anchored in sand and a bank of swings (three to be exact). My job, come rain or shine, was to organize and prepare the outdoor environment--taking out the wheel toys, sand toys, water tables, and setting up some outdoor learning centers, whether it be carpentry or an obstacle course. <br />
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This play yard was not in a natural setting. There was no grass nor trees to be found, only asphalt, an occasional bird or insect...and lots and lots of active children. It was probably the most popular area of the school. I discovered that my outdoor environment offered all the learning opportunities that one would typically find indoors--experiences in math, science, nature, social studies, dramatic play, art, music, language and literacy. <br />
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The outdoor program developed critical thinking, discovery, problem solving, and cooperative skills while supporting children’s continuous growth and learning--physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. As the Outdoor Teacher for twelve years I was an observer and supporter of child-initiated play. During this time, I also took classes in child development, early childhood curriculum, music and movement, sensory motor integration, perceptual motor development, and physical activity and its connection to brain development. I eventually taught those same classes at several community colleges. <br />
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I am now traveling and sharing what I’ve experienced and learned as an Early Care and Education Teacher and Outdoor Teacher. I offer workshops and trainings on the Outdoor Classroom, doing some “Sharin‘ with Sharron” on what I have learned as an educator. On November 9 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM, I will be presenting a workshop at the <a href="http://naeyc.org/conference/" target="_blank">2012 NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo</a> in Atlanta, Georgia titled, “NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE! Meeting Curriculum Standards with Concrete Outdoor Experiences.” Come join me and learn how to plan and implement outdoor activities that meet your learning outcomes and objectives even with limited outdoor space and resources.<br />
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Here’s one activity that promotes language, literacy and physical development that can literally be “rolled out” on the play yard.<br />
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<strong>ABC Walk & Toss</strong><br />
<strong>Materials Needed:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30475&es=4523500000w&keyword=abcwalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Alphabet Floor Mat with Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30475&es=4523500000w&keyword=abcwalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ABCWALK</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Alphabet Beanbags</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ABCTOSS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30430&es=4523500000w&keyword=catchy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Classroom Activity Baskets</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30430&es=4523500000w&keyword=catchy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CATCHY</a>)<br />
<strong>Set Up:</strong><br />
Roll out the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30475&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">ABC Floor Mat</a> in available space.<br />
Put <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a> in <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30430&es=4523500000w&keyword=catchy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">plastic baskets</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong><br />
<strong>Ask children to:</strong><br />
1. Find the letter that their name starts with on the mat and jump on it 5 times.<br />
2. Toss the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">beanbag</a> letter that their name starts with onto the matching letter on the mat.<br />
3. Match all the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a> to the matching letters on the mat.<br />
4. Walk, jump or hop on the alphabet stepping stones while saying each letter.<br />
5. Match the lowercase markers to the uppercase letters on the mat.<br />
6. Match the lowercase markers to the lower case <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a>.<br />
7. Sort the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a> by color in the corresponding baskets.<br />
8. Give each child one <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a> and ask them to find the matching letter on the mat and stand on it.<br />
<br />
<strong>Furthermore:</strong><br />
1. With older children you can move on to recognizing the sounds of the letters. Say a sound of the alphabet and have the child stand on the letter represented by that sound. You can also have the child stand on each letter and indicate which sound the letter makes.<br />
2. Using the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a>, give one to each child and ask him/her to line up along the mat in order, following the order of the alphabet. You can also do it with the lowercase letter markers or the lowercase letters on the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">alphabet beanbags</a>.<br />
<br />
Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Standards:<br />
• Language Development--Listening, Following Directions<br />
• Literacy--Alphabet Knowledge--Letter recognition--Uppercase and lowercase<br />
• Literacy--Alphabet Knowledge--Begin to recognize that letters have sounds<br />
• Mathematics--Classification--Recognize when two things are the same<br />
• Mathematics--Classification--Sorting beanbags by color to corresponding basket<br />
• Physical Development--Fine & Gross Motor Skills<br />
• Eye-hand coordination--throwing beanbag to matching letter<br />
• Dexterity and Control--able to manipulate beanbag<br />
• Balance and Control--able to balance when walking, jumping, etc.<br />
• Locomotor Movements--walking, jumping, hopping<br />
<br />
<strong>Discount School Supply® Product Recommendations:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30475&es=4523500000w&keyword=abcwalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Alphabet Floor Mat with Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30475&es=4523500000w&keyword=abcwalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ABCWALK</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&es=4523500000w&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Alphabet Bean Bags</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29168&keyword=abctoss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ABCTOSS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30430&es=4523500000w&keyword=catchy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Classroom Activity Baskets</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=30430&es=4523500000w&keyword=catchy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CATCHY</a>)Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-87655106816952840972012-09-12T13:28:00.000-07:002012-09-13T08:08:18.904-07:00Education Through Movement! Building the Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzalzTaUvJTrK5iuzQxfat0g40XsG8T-BTd_5-MVz4I6JIZG0sfR9E1SdXk1XiYn4UEKzsTGb7sAKrXcyJPgd_1NLO8vsoposHj1yno_OYy9Bh0dea2p_9kS90zuPqF972TKQZaFu8zPa/s1600/girl+walking+jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzalzTaUvJTrK5iuzQxfat0g40XsG8T-BTd_5-MVz4I6JIZG0sfR9E1SdXk1XiYn4UEKzsTGb7sAKrXcyJPgd_1NLO8vsoposHj1yno_OYy9Bh0dea2p_9kS90zuPqF972TKQZaFu8zPa/s320/girl+walking+jumping.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
This summer I had the privilege of attending a week long <a href="http://highscope.org/" target="_blank">HighScope®</a> training on music and movement. As a movement and physical activity specialist, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this highly respected professional development course.<br />
<br />
I met people from all over the world--India, Dutch Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the United States, from Michigan, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Washington. I did a lot of moving, dancing, and singing while learning new strategies and techniques for sharing music and movement with young children and successful methods for integrating movement and music into other curriculum areas. Here are several that stood out and which I am beginning to incorporate in my teacher trainings and workshops:<br />
<div>
</div>
Provide a safe and supportive classroom environment where the children feel they have a say in their own learning. Have children stand in a loose formation, rather than a circle or a line, so they can be anonymous when working in their personal space, making sounds and doing actions at the same time as the other children. This allows for children to express themselves more readily when using exploration and problem solving.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Ask the children to describe movements as they are doing them. Having children think about and label their movements leads to those movements becoming purposeful and planned. For example, “I am patting my knees with my hands.” Children develop language skills as well as self-confidence.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Once children are comfortable with a movement activity, suggest that they lead it in their own way. Depending on the activity and the length of time available, one, a few, or all of the children can be leaders. Over time, make sure that every child has a chance to lead some activities.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Use only one method of presenting an activity or concept. Give verbal directions or silently demonstrate the movement or silently provide tactile guidance. Children respond better when you use only one presentation method.<br />
<br />
Remember the child’s pitch range for singing is high--sing higher. Children have short vocal chords and will sing in tune more easily when you pitch songs in their higher range (middle C to A on the piano). As an adult, you may need to call the cat (“Here kitty, kitty”) to feel that place in your voice that is best for children and lead from there.<br />
<br />
Steady beat is the consistent repetitive pulse that lies within every rhyme, song, or musical selection. Pat steady beat with both hands or rock to the steady beat. Mother Goose nursery rhymes are wonderfully appropriate for incorporating steady beat.<br />
<br />
Action, thought, and language are combined in “Learner SAY & DO,” a strategy that helps children organize steady beat movements and movement sequences. Children speak words that define actions or body parts touched (SAY) and the match the movement to the words (DO). For example, to learn the locomotor movement of marching, children say “March” each time weight is alternatively transferred from one foot to the other.<br />
<br />
When first introducing equipment (balls, scarves, bean bags, rhythm instruments, etc.) to children, allow for opportunities to freely explore and play with it before expecting them to use the equipment correctly. Don’t just jump into the “game or activity” you have planned. It’s fun to put out several different pieces of equipment together and see what the children do with all of the pieces, whether exploring them individually or using the pieces together with a friend.<br />
<br />
To acquire children’s attention while moving, sing “YOO-HOO” and have the group echo it back to you as they cease all activity. You can also say, “STOP SIGN.” Then you are able to give directions for the next activity or movement.<br />
<br />
As you introduce movement experiences to children, remember these “golden rules:”</div>
<ul>
<li>Keep them short.</li>
<li>Keep them simple.</li>
<li>Make them enjoyable.</li>
<li>Design them to assure success.</li>
<li>Suggest rather than direct.</li>
</ul>
<div>
To learn more about the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29190&es=4523500000w&keyword=highscope%20preschool&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HighScope® Preschool Curriculum</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29190&es=4523500000w&keyword=highscope%20preschool&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HIGHSCOPE</a>) visit <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/" target="_blank">www.DiscountSchoolSupply.com</a>.</div>
Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-48719219422005599412012-07-11T10:15:00.000-07:002012-07-11T10:17:05.543-07:00Summer Mini-OlympicsThe Summer Olympic Games will take place from July 27 to August 12, 2012 in London, England. But just don’t let the kids sit and watch, why not hold your own Mini-Olympics? Involve them in all the fun physical activity by staging a kid-friendly version on the playground or in your own backyard.<br />
<br />
<strong>Opening Ceremonies</strong><br />
Provide materials for each child to make their own Olympic Flag (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17096&es=4523500000w&keyword=flags&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">FLAGS</a>). Kick-off your Mini-Olympics Day with a parade as the children march around holding their <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17096&es=4523500000w&keyword=flags&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">flags</a>. Play music, such as the Olympic theme or “Star-Spangled Banner.”<br />
<br />
<strong>Events</strong><br />
In setting up a developmentally appropriate Mini-Olympic Day for young children remember to provide opportunities for every child to voluntarily choose from a variety of Olympic-style events. Set up stations where children can move from one event to another at their own pace and rate. Remind the children that finishing first is not as important as having a good time. The emphasis is more on fun than on skill.<br />
<br />
Before starting any of the events, lead the children from station to station and explain and/or demonstrate the “how-to’s” or challenges of the event at each station. To get started, divide the class or group into equal numbers according to the number of stations set up. This eliminates children standing in a long line and waiting for their turn. For example, if you have 6 stations and 24 children, you would put 4 kids are each station. With a blow of a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28484&es=4523500000w&keyword=whistle&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">whistle</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28484&es=4523500000w&keyword=whistle&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">WHIS</a>), children begin the physical challenge of the event. When they have completed that event they move on the next one and so forth until they have completed all the stations. And, of course, they can go through them again and again!<br />
<br />
<strong>Let The Games Begin</strong><br />
• <strong>Target Toss (Archery):</strong> Draw a large circle on the asphalt using <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15903&es=4523500000w&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">sidewalk chalk</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15903&es=4523500000w&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SIDEWALK</a>). Make smaller circles or place <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22894&es=4523500000w&keyword=shape%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">shape spots</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22894&es=4523500000w&keyword=shape%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SHSPOT</a>) inside the large circle as targets. The players take turns tossing <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">beanbags</a> from a specified throwing line until they hit a target. <br />
<br />
• <strong>Running Races (Track and Field):</strong> Set up <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=26266&aes=4523500000w∓keyword=strtfin&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">start and finish lines</a> about 15-30 feet apart. Challenge the racers to run, walk backwards, gallop, crab walk or creep on hands and knees to get from the start line to the finish line.<br />
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• <strong>Throwing for Distance (Shot Put):</strong> Use a small <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15463&es=4523500000w&keyword=sensory%20ball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">sensory ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15463&es=4523500000w&keyword=sensory%20ball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SENBALL</a>) or a tightly wrapped ball of aluminum foil for your makeshift shot put. Show the kids how to hold the ball near the ear and launch it forward by extending the arm. They cannot move their feet. How far can they throw the ball? <br />
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• <strong>Jumping (Equestrian Jumping):</strong> Set up two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">cones</a> fifteen feet apart. Have kids “saddle up” a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3595&es=4523500000w&keyword=whophop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ball hopper</a> (horse), hold the handle and jump to the opposite <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">cone</a> and back again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3595&es=4523500000w&keyword=whophop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/03595.jpg" /></a></div>
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• <strong>Disc Toss (Discus Throw):</strong> Using a Frisbee or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15900&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">flying disc</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15900&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">FLYD</a>), child will throw the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15907&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">disc</a> (throw away from the waist with a flick of the wrist) as far as he/she can. How far did it “fly?”<br />
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• <strong>Kicking (Soccer):</strong> Set up a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&es=4523500000w&keyword=goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">soccer goal</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&es=4523500000w&keyword=goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">GOAL</a>) a least fifteen feet from a specified kicking line. Players stand behind the line and kick a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3161&es=4523500000w&keyword=soc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">soccer ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3161&es=4523500000w&keyword=soc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SOC</a>) into the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&es=4523500000w&keyword=goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">goal</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&es=4523500000w&keyword=goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/25079.jpg" /></a></div>
• <strong>Gymnastics (Olympic Gymnastics):</strong> Put out a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&keyword=mat&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">tumbling mat</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&keyword=mat&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">TMAT</a>) and encourage children to freestyle dance with a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2952&es=4523500000w&keyword=rnbw&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">streamer ribbon</a>, do a trick with a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopset&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>, and perform simple acrobatics (tumble, twirl, spin, etc.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2952&es=4523500000w&keyword=rnbw&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/02952.jpg" /></a></div>
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• <strong>Canoe Race (Canoeing and Kayaking):</strong> Set up five <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=SETC&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cones</a> for children to weave through as they ride (sitting, kneeling or prone position) their <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2961&es=4523500000w&keyword=rollit&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">scooter board</a> or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2961&es=4523500000w&keyword=rollit&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">roller board</a> kayak or canoe.<br />
<br />
<strong>Closing Ceremonies</strong><br />
It doesn’t matter if there are no medals distributed for this Summer Mini-Olympics. What’s really important is how much fun everyone had as they played together and cheered each other on. Remember, the Olympics are a celebration of friendship, unity and peace!<br />
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<strong>Discount School Supply® Product Recommendations:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17096&es=4523500000w&keyword=flags&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Canvas Flags</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17096&es=4523500000w&keyword=flags&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">FLAGS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28484&es=4523500000w&keyword=whistle&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Whistle</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28484&es=4523500000w&keyword=whistle&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">WHIS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15903&es=4523500000w&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Washable Sidewalk Chalk</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15903&es=4523500000w&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SIDEWALK</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15497&es=4523500000w&keyword=ttbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Target Toss Game</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15497&es=4523500000w&keyword=ttbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">TTBB</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22894&es=4523500000w&keyword=shape%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Shape Spots</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22894&es=4523500000w&keyword=shape%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SHSPOT</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored Beanbags</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CBB</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3595&es=4523500000w&keyword=whophop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Whopper Hopper</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3595&es=4523500000w&keyword=whophop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">WHOPHOP</a>) and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2072&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Mini Hopper</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2072&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOP</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15463&es=4523500000w&keyword=sensory%20ball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Sensory Balls</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15463&es=4523500000w&keyword=sensory%20ball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SENBALL</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopset&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Brawny Tough Activity Hoops</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopset&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOOPSET</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3161&es=4523500000w&keyword=soc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Soccer Ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3161&es=4523500000w&keyword=soc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SOC</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&es=4523500000w&keyword=goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Soccer Goal</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&es=4523500000w&keyword=goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">GOAL</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15900&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Flying Discs</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15900&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">FLYD</a>) and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15907&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Soft Flying Discs</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15907&es=4523500000w&keyword=flying%20disc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">FDISC</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2952&es=4523500000w&keyword=rnbw&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Rainbow Dancing Wrist Bands</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2952&es=4523500000w&keyword=rnbw&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">RNBW</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&keyword=mat&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Angeles® Tumbling Mat</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&keyword=mat&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">TMAT</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2961&es=4523500000w&keyword=rollit&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Roller Board</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2961&es=4523500000w&keyword=rollit&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ROLLIT</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=SETC&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored Cones</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=SETC&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SETC</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=26266&es=4523500000w&keyword=strtfin&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Start to Finish</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=26266&es=4523500000w&keyword=strtfin&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">STRTFIN</a>)Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-22649999548738345152012-06-04T10:20:00.000-07:002012-06-04T10:20:56.135-07:00Hoop Fun All Around!Kids have played with <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoops</a> for thousands of years. Twisted grape vines kept children amused in ancient Egypt. The Greeks used hooping as a form of exercise. No company or single inventor can claim that they invented the first <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Around 1300, hooping came to Great Britain and homemade versions of the toy became very popular. In the early 1800s, British sailors first witnessed hula dancing in the Hawaiian Islands. During their stay, the soldiers realized the resemblance of the movement of the hips of the traditional hula dances to the movements of people that go hooping...and the name "hula hoop" came together. The <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a> gained international popularity in the late 1950s and was eventually inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPsb1UIWU935LVZ9Ti9mJ4IYwsiZk6-3Axoh-RVj12wxoBEwpKeZgRl3DpM_SIvIi8oamAxR-qIeF3Q_z0hYPxGK3L2dUJSrUVw6XXXdiDdUgCwtIe9F6JL8Ps_iFW3Ib5FLopRL0JWD4/s1600/hula+hoop+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPsb1UIWU935LVZ9Ti9mJ4IYwsiZk6-3Axoh-RVj12wxoBEwpKeZgRl3DpM_SIvIi8oamAxR-qIeF3Q_z0hYPxGK3L2dUJSrUVw6XXXdiDdUgCwtIe9F6JL8Ps_iFW3Ib5FLopRL0JWD4/s320/hula+hoop+girl.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />The <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopset&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">activity hoop</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopset&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOOPSET</a>) or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hula hoop</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HULA</a>) is a popular play prop that begs to be played with OUTDOORS! It is usually twirled around the waist, limbs or neck but this “traditional hooping” can be difficult for young children to do. Here are some other ways to keep the fun going around, and around, and around, and around...<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Hoop</a> Chase:</strong> Roll <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoops</a> on the ground in an open area. Children have fun running, and catching the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>, and then shouting, “I Gotcha!” Add to the fun by rolling more than one <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a> at a time and see which one the child decides to chase.<br />
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<strong>Ring the Target:</strong> Set up a target such as a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=setc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cone</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=setc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SETC</a>) or a gallon jug (filled with water or sand to weigh it down). Have children stand in another <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOOPLA</a>) a distance away from the target and toss or throw a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> to land around the target. Start close and slowly increase the distance.<br />
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<strong>Make a Basket:</strong> Hang the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a> (“basket”) from a tree branch or some other spot where balls can be safely thrown. Have children stand in another <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a> a distance away from the basket and toss or throw a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29282&es=4523500000w&keyword=softfoam&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29282&es=4523500000w&keyword=softfoam&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SOFTFOAM</a>) or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">bean bag</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CBB</a>) through the basket. Start close and slowly increase the distance.<br />
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<strong>Around the World:</strong> Have children join hands in a circle with a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">LGHOOP</a>) hanging from one person’s arm. When play begins, the person with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> must step through it and pass it to the next player without letting go of their hands. The next player does the same thing. The goal is to get the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> back to the starting player with no one letting go of their neighbor’s hands. I like to add some music (“I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles) while the game is being played.<br />
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<strong>Hoop Jumping:</strong> Like rope jumping but using a big <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">LGHOOP</a>). Hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> in front of your body. Step over the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Move your arms forward and swing the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> over your head. Let the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> hit the ground. Jump over the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>, taking off and landing on both feet. Continue practicing these steps until you can continuously jump over the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&aes=4523500000w&mp;keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>.<br />
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<strong>Hoop Obstacle Course:</strong> Thread one <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">pole</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">POLES</a>) horizontally through lower level holes in two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cones</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CONES</a>) to make a crossbar for jumping over. Place four <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoops</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOOPLA</a>) in a hopscotch pattern for children to jump into (first one <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>, then two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoops</a> side by side, then one last <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>). Then make a tunnel with four <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cones</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CONES</a>) and two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">large hoops</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">LGHOOP</a>) (lay two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cones</a> on their sides and across from each other, insert <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> into top notch. Duplicate with the other two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=poles&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cones</a> and the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a>). Have children go through the tunnel on hands and knees. Now give children a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2356&es=4523500000w&keyword=lghoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hoop</a> to roll in and out of a zigzag pathway made by placing 4-6 <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoppa&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoppa&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOPPA</a>) in a row, four feet apart from each other. Finish the course by having children <strong>Ring the Target</strong> (see set up above).<br />
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<strong>Show Me:</strong> Ask children to place their <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a> on the ground in front of them. Ask the children to, “Show me how you can jump into the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Jump out of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Walk around the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Put your elbow in the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Put your whole body over the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Stand inside your <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. Lift the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a> over your head. On the count of three drop the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>.” The challenges are limitless...and the children will give suggestions of what they can “show you!”<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Hoop</a> play promotes agility, coordination, cooperation, gross motor development, and physical activity. I have shared in older posts more games and activities that use the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoop</a>. You can read them here:<br />
<a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2011/02/driving-with-hoops.html" target="_blank">Driving with Hoops!</a><br />
<a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-play-musical-chairs-when-you-can.html" target="_blank">Why Play Musical Chairs When You Can Play Musical Hoops?</a><br />
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Provide enough <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoop&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">hoops</a> for each child to have one...and “Hoop-Dee-Do” let the fun never stop!<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Default.aspx?es=4523500000w&src=logo" target="_blank">Discount School Supply®</a> Product Recommendations:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=HOOPSET&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Brawny Tough Activity Hoops</a> - set of 15 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2071&es=4523500000w&keyword=HOOPSET&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOOPSET</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&es=4523500000w&keyword=hula&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Zebra Hoops</a> - set of 6 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&es=4523500000w&keyword=hula&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HULA</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Cones with Holes</a> - set of 6 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CONES</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Poles</a> - set of 4 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">POLES</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoppa&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> - set of 30 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoppa&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOPPA</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">14" Brawny Tough Activity Hoops</a> - set of 10 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOOPLA</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">25" Brawny Tough Activity Hoops</a> - set of 5 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070&es=4523500000w&keyword=hoopla&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">LGHOOP</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29282&es=4523500000w&keyword=softfoam&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Jumbo Soft Foam Balls</a> - set of 6 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29282&es=4523500000w&keyword=softfoam&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SOFTFOAM</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored Bean Bags</a> - set of 12 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CBB</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=setc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored Cones</a> - set of 10 (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=setc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SETC</a>)Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-69550095279619390932012-05-02T11:02:00.000-07:002012-05-02T11:02:11.953-07:00This Rope's Not Just for Jumping!The <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">jump rope</a> is one of the most inexpensive and versatile pieces of equipment your child or school can own. The <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">jump rope</a> has been neglected, made available primarily for girls, and has been used for a single purpose: jumping. The rope should be 7-8 feet in length and be flexible and pliable. With a little imagination and creativity, look at the rope and think of all the things you can do with it besides jumping.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/02972.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><strong>Snakes:</strong> Two people hold each end of the rope and wiggle it by the feet of the children like it’s a snake. The object is that the kids have to jump over the “snake.”<br />
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<strong>Walking the Snake:</strong> Place a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=26299&es=4523500000w&keyword=JMPRP16&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">16’ jump rope</a> on the ground in a zigzag pattern. Invite the children to walk on the rope as if it were a tightrope. This simple activity builds a surprising number of skills! Eye-foot coordination...balance...taking turns...and more.<br />
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<strong>High Water - Low Water:</strong> Two people hold each end of the rope. Children take turns leaping over the rope. Increase the height after everyone has had a turn. Provide a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&keyword=mat&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">mat</a> for safe landings.<br />
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<strong>Wind the Clock:</strong> One person spins around while holding one end of the rope. The rope is swung around in a circle along the ground. Children jump over the rope as it nears their feet. The children usually chant a nursery rhyme like “Hickory Dickory Dock” or some other rhyme to make it more fun.<br />
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<strong>Jump the Brook</strong>: Two ropes placed on the ground in the shape of a “V” become the “brook.” The ropes touch at one end and are angled so that each jump across the brook is longer and becomes a bigger jump.<br />
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<strong>Rope Obstacle Course:</strong> Thread a rope between the slots or notches in the top of two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16000&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">cones</a> for jumping over or crawling under. Make three circles with three ropes. Jump from one circle to the next. Lay a rope in a straight line that is to be followed or straddled. Place two ropes parallel to each other and one foot apart. This can be a path for walking, jogging, jumping or hopping.<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16000&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/products/16000b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>All Aboard:</strong> Young children don’t really have the coordination to jump rope, but they can hang onto the rope with a bunch of their friends and pretend to be a train. Make your very own <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23536&es=4523500000w&keyword=choo&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Wooden Train Whistle</a> and with a “Choo! Choo!” children can move from place to place while having fun!<br />
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<strong>Make A Shape:</strong> Ask children to place their rope on the ground and make a circle. Call out directions for children to, “Jump into the circle. Turn around inside the circle. Jump out of the circle. Walk around the circle. Put your foot in the circle. Put your whole body over the circle.” After children know the game, move on to other shapes such as a triangle or square.<br />
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Remember, most of these activities can be accomplished using your homemade <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2012/04/recycle-play-six-pack-net-bread-bag.html" target="_blank">Bread Bag Jump Rope</a> or even a thick piece of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2966&es=4523500000w&keyword=roving&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">yarn</a>.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Default.aspx?es=4523500000wsrc=logo" target="_blank">Discount School Supply®</a> Product Recommendations:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=nylon%20jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank"><strong>Nylon Jump Ropes</strong></a><strong> (</strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><strong>RPST</strong></a><strong> or </strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=26299&es=4523500000w&keyword=JMPRP16&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><strong>JMPRP16</strong></a><strong>)</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank"><strong>Angeles® Tumbling Mat </strong></a><strong>(</strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3419&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank"><strong>TMAT</strong></a><strong>)</strong><strong></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16000&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank"><strong>Obstacle Course Activity Set</strong></a><strong> (</strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16000&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank"><strong>OCSET</strong></a><strong>)</strong><strong></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23536&es=4523500000w&keyword=choo&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><strong>Wooden Train Whistles</strong></a><strong> (</strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23536&es=4523500000w&keyword=choo&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><strong>CHOO</strong></a><strong>)</strong><strong></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2966&aes=4523500000w&mp;keyword=roving&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><strong>Jumbo Roving Yarn</strong></a><strong> (</strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2966&es=4523500000w&keyword=roving&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><strong>ROVING</strong></a><strong>)</strong>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-50307715831856888452012-04-11T10:46:00.000-07:002012-04-11T10:46:51.737-07:00Recycle & Play! Six-Pack Net & Bread Bag Jump RopeCelebrate Earth Day not only on April 22nd but every day! Make homemade toys and play props by recycling bread bags and plastic six-pack rings. Here’s how...
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<strong>Six-Pack Ring Net</strong><br />
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<strong>Materials Needed:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li>Six to eight plastic six-pack rings (a set of connected plastic rings that are used to carry six-packs of beverage cans or plastic bottles of soft drinks--”carrier rings”).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25164&es=4523500000w&keyword=nmask&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored masking tape</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25164&es=4523500000w&keyword=nmask&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">NMASK</a>)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKsp6jwhEU6OvHDTY4hRik_jMIYFnUyEPSaofHrfBcBYnU7c4s3fOQrKjfo8ylLBewhui_OpsImvb9cgnLf7dS0CIkD2kg9KbuV9n8tAuoFvlHG8Z1RaIve5J0yKEDrny_xuUQxEw-PX8/s1600/800px-Six_pack_rings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKsp6jwhEU6OvHDTY4hRik_jMIYFnUyEPSaofHrfBcBYnU7c4s3fOQrKjfo8ylLBewhui_OpsImvb9cgnLf7dS0CIkD2kg9KbuV9n8tAuoFvlHG8Z1RaIve5J0yKEDrny_xuUQxEw-PX8/s320/800px-Six_pack_rings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong></div>
<ol>
<li>Place six-pack rings end-to-end.</li>
<li>Cut small pieces of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25164&es=4523500000w&keyword=nmask&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">masking tape</a> (1”-2” long) and use to connect one set of six-pack plastic rings to another set of six-pack plastic rings.</li>
<li>To make the net wider, connect another row of six-pack rings with <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25164&es=4523500000w&keyword=nmask&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">masking tape</a> above or below the first net. Most nets are two “carrier rings” wide.</li>
<li>Tie pieces of cord to the top and bottom of the last hole on both ends.</li>
<li>Attach the net to chairs, walls, coat racks, or trees.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27uAbLZZQV7Uu6RVOF1XHtThH740fcdX9m-ZhTUx-OHVplNx7HflG0emkVM5SRQbcThL5DUV_rqkRAFwLCgj5LFzFI_kgOby3FWe0vvKE3xQdcHu4IxasDarxOYD9KcDAa2aHL_nn8-Tc/s1600/6-Pack+Ring+Net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27uAbLZZQV7Uu6RVOF1XHtThH740fcdX9m-ZhTUx-OHVplNx7HflG0emkVM5SRQbcThL5DUV_rqkRAFwLCgj5LFzFI_kgOby3FWe0vvKE3xQdcHu4IxasDarxOYD9KcDAa2aHL_nn8-Tc/s320/6-Pack+Ring+Net.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Play:</strong></div>
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Use your <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2011/12/floppy-flipper-handmade-fun.html" target="_blank">Floppy Flipper</a> to hit balloons, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">beach balls</a> or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15984&es=4523500000w&keyword=foambs&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">foam balls</a> over the net.</div>
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</div>
<div>
<strong>Bread Bag Jump Rope</strong></div>
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</div>
<div>
<strong>Materials Needed:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li>27 empty, flat plastic bread bags</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxrXNkH0b3L8E9upPC3DYgZFpe8MBmCt13i7Pe6J5Q5XAik23gAjygMHzlxAvquVqq_w5RRFlSEgaxPlWKD2MiD_g0WQVDStmo6YYoAK3Iy74BOnzCxSG-Z5ShdsFTX5l_wCxjxbgSWu4/s1600/bread+bag+rope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxrXNkH0b3L8E9upPC3DYgZFpe8MBmCt13i7Pe6J5Q5XAik23gAjygMHzlxAvquVqq_w5RRFlSEgaxPlWKD2MiD_g0WQVDStmo6YYoAK3Iy74BOnzCxSG-Z5ShdsFTX5l_wCxjxbgSWu4/s1600/bread+bag+rope.JPG" /></a></div>
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<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Place nine bread bags in a row, alternating the top of one bread bag next to the bottom of the next bag.</li>
<li>Cut small pieces of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=879&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvta&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">transparent tape</a> and connect one bread bag to the next bread bag by taping the top of one bread bag into the fold of the bottom of the next bread bag in the row.</li>
<li>When one side is taped, turn the row over and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=879&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvta&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">tape</a> the bags together on that side.</li>
<li>Continue to make 2 more rows of 9 connected bread bags. You will have a total of 3 long rows of bread bags.</li>
<li>Trifold (fold into thirds) each row of 9 bread bags. Secure with <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=879&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvta&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">tape</a>.</li>
<li>Lay the rows side by side and knot together at one end.</li>
<li>Braid the three rows of bread bags together into a long <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">jump rope</a> and knot that end.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w8bHvZf_i25a30_nEuHjKV3fJiG3AyoBQb8mXyAMFMaRX1T2FNQilXXGdDOmbiv_P0uL-58m9lhiy0f7B2h2oWsLMJcrtxA-0SLt1s9D_g2R7_09F-r9rTnOQHrQ-dQ_DFEQqckrGv8c/s1600/bread+bag+rope+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w8bHvZf_i25a30_nEuHjKV3fJiG3AyoBQb8mXyAMFMaRX1T2FNQilXXGdDOmbiv_P0uL-58m9lhiy0f7B2h2oWsLMJcrtxA-0SLt1s9D_g2R7_09F-r9rTnOQHrQ-dQ_DFEQqckrGv8c/s1600/bread+bag+rope+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Play:</strong> </div>
<div>
Preschool children do not jump rope with individual <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">ropes</a>; however <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">ropes</a> can be used for several other activities. Balance <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">ropes</a> on body parts, or walk on top of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">ropes</a> as a pretend balance beam. Put the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">ropes</a> on the floor to represent different pathways, or to jump over.</div>
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</div>
<div>
In my next post, I will share some favorite activities to do with your new homemade Bread Bag Jump Rope or any <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">jump rope</a>!<br />
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For now, get started by encouraging your children/students to start recycling by saving lots of bread bags and six-pack carrier rings.</div>
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<div>
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Default.aspx?es=4523500000wsrc=logo" target="_blank"><strong>Discount School Supply®</strong></a><strong> Product Recommendations:</strong></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25164&es=4523500000w&keyword=nmask&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored Masking Tape</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25164&es=4523500000w&keyword=nmask&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">NMASK</a>)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15984&es=4523500000w&keyword=foambs&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Foam Balls</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15984&es=4523500000w&keyword=foambs&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">FOAMBS</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Decorate Your Own Beach Ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DYOBALL</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=879&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvta&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Best Value Tape</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=879&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvta&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">BVTA</a>)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=1417&es=4523500000w&keyword=disp&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Tape Dispenser</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=1417&es=4523500000w&keyword=disp&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DISP</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=rpst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Nylon Jump Ropes</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=rpst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">RPST</a>)</div>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-14449341578328493762012-03-07T09:42:00.000-08:002012-03-07T09:42:02.812-08:00An Egg-cellent Game!I must share with you a new “find” that I just LOVE! It encourages movement and provides a multitude of other benefits too -- balance, coordination, cooperation, and fine motor skills. The item, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&keyword=egg%20and%20spoon%20race&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Egg and Spoon Race</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&keyword=egg%20and%20spoon%20race&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">AP25028J</a>) gives a new twist to the old classic Egg and Spoon Pass. This new version is definitely appropriate for the toddler and preschoolers but school-agers love it too. Parents and teachers will also “crack-up” when they see what happens when the egg drops from the spoon. Instead of chocolate bunnies and Easter candy, I’m planning on adding <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&keyword=egg%20and%20spoon%20race&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Egg and Spoon Race</a> to all five of my grandchildren’s baskets! What fun we’ll have as we play the following game.<br />
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<strong>Egg and Spoon Race</strong><br />
<strong>Materials:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&keyword=egg%20and%20spoon%20race&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Egg and Spoon Race</a> (4 plastic spoons, 4 egg bean bags, 4 re-breakable eggshells) - <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&keyword=egg%20and%20spoon%20race&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">AP25028J</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colored Cones</a> - <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SETC</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop%20around%20steps&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> - <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop%20around%20steps&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">HOPPA</a><br />
Available indoor or outdoor space<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&keyword=egg%20and%20spoon%20race&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/27362.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Set Up:</strong><br />
1. Place <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">cones</a> 10-20 feet across from each other to designate “start” and “finish” lines.<br />
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2. Place <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop%20around%20steps&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> two feet apart from each other between the start and finish lines.<br />
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<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong>1. Divide the children into four groups (teams or squads) of equal numbers. Children in each team stand in a straight line or row, one person behind the other.<br />
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2. Provide the first child on each team with a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">spoon and egg</a>.<br />
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3. The first child places the egg in the bowl of the spoon.<br />
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4. On the command, “Ready, Set, GO!” the race begins as the child walks in and around the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop%20around%20steps&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> to the “finish” <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">cone</a> on the opposite side, circles around it, and walks back to his team.<br />
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5. He gives the egg and spoon to the second member of his team who then walks holding the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">egg and spoon</a> and weaving in and out of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=hop%20around%20steps&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Hop Around Steps</a> and back to the start where he passes the egg to next member on his team.<br />
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6. The game is over when every child has had a turn carrying the egg in the spoon and the child who started the relay returns to the head of the line.<br />
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7. If the egg drops out of the spoon, the child must stop, pick up the egg bean bag and eggshell, put it back together, place it on his spoon and then continue.<br />
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<strong>Furthermore: </strong><br />
• With younger children have them just walk from the start to the finish and drop the egg into a bucket.<br />
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• With older children challenge them to travel in a different way, i.e., run, jump, walk backwards, skip.<br />
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• Toddlers can toss the egg and watch them break. The eggs actually sound like real eggs breaking when they hit the floor.<br />
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• Set out a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&keyword=balance%20beam&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Balance Beam</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&keyword=balance%20beam&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">248</a>) and have the children hold the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27362&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">egg and spoon</a> as they walk across the beam.Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-72890555274724074412012-01-31T14:13:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:15:01.612-08:00Pair-a-Chute! Friends Playing TogetherCelebrate love and friendship during the month of February by introducing the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">PAIRUP</a>) to your children. Designed in favorite childhood colors, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chutes</a> invite children of all ages to play. This new active play item is designed for children to play with a partner and at the same time practice such social skills as turn taking, sharing and cooperation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811es=4523500000w&&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/28811.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>See-Saw Pull - Ages: 3-5 years old</strong><br />
Two children hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> handles with an overhand grip (palms down, fingers grasping the handle) while sitting down. The children pull the chute back and forth in a see-sawing motion. This is a good warm up and helps to strengthen shoulder, arm and hand muscles.<br />
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<strong>Up & Down - Ages: 3-5 years old</strong><br />
Two children hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> handles at waist level with an overhand grip (palms down, fingers grasping the handle). When you say “up,” the children lift their arms above their heads. When you say “down,” the group lower their arms back to waist level. Continue until the children are able to move the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> up and down smoothly. This is a good introductory game that helps children learn to work as a team.<br />
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<strong>How Many Times? - Ages: 3-8 years old</strong><br />
Two children hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> handles at waist level. Place one bean bag in the center of the chute. Following your signals, the children raise and lower the chute with the goal of tossing the bean bag in to the air as many times as possible before it flies off the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> and lands on the ground. Each time the bean bag is tossed into the air, the children call out the number of times it has been tossed up. If the children are able to keep the bean bag up several times, add a second bean bag, then possibly a third.<br />
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<strong>Target Practice - Ages: 3-8 years old</strong><br />
The size of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-A-Chutes</a> makes for a BIG target. Lay them on the ground and use them as targets for beanbag tossing (underhand--with hand swung below shoulder level) or hang them on a fence and use them as targets for beanbag throwing (overhand-- hand raised above shoulder).<br />
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<strong>We Can Fly! - Ages: 3-5 years old</strong><br />
One <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> for each child. Instruct them to hold the chute with a hand in each of the handles on one of the short sides of the rectangular chute. Have them raise it above their heads and run into the wind. The chute will billow in the wind behind them like a giant kite.<br />
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<strong>Popcorn - Ages: 3-5 years old</strong><br />
Two children hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> handles at waist level. Place 4 <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=bean%20bags&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">bean bags</a> (popcorn kernels) in center of the chute. Children chant the following as they shake the pair-a-chute--<br />
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<em>4 popcorn kernels sizzling in the pan. (shake chute slowly)<br />The pan got hot and all of them popped! (shake chute vigorously) </em><br />
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When all the bean bags (popcorn kernels) pop off the chute, children retrieve them and do it again. In fact, they will want to repeat the game over and over again.<br />
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<strong>Toss & Catch - Ages: 4-8 years old</strong><br />
Two children hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> handles at waist level. One person (the tosser) tosses a bean bag toward the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a>. The children holding the chute work together to “catch” or receive the bean bag. The receivers return the bean bag to the tosser as they work together lifting and shaking the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a>.<br />
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<strong>Partners Toss & Catch - Ages: 4-8 years old</strong><br />
Use both <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chutes</a> and 4 children. Two children hold each <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> and stand 5 - 10 feet away from each other. One <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> team tosses a bean bag from their chute to the other <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chute</a> team’s chute. The object is for each team to propel the bean bag to the other team’s chute without it falling to the ground or floor. Challenge the teams to increase the distance between the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28811&es=4523500000w&keyword=pairup&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Pair-a-Chutes</a>. This is a great team-building activity as partners need to communicate the tossing and catching of the bean bagSharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-74017822966171352802012-01-16T15:37:00.000-08:002012-01-16T15:37:25.564-08:00Put Your Best Foot Forward in 2012A study just published this month in “Pediatrics,” the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that kids spend about 70% to 83% of their time in child care being sedentary, not counting the time spent eating and napping. Only 2% to 3% of the time is spent in vigorous activities. Educators know vigorous activity is important to children. But they cited several barriers, including concerns about injuries, focus on academics and limited outdoor space and playground equipment. Research shows that children are more likely to be active if they are given time, space, freedom, and simple equipment (balls, hoops, and jump ropes). “Put your best foot forward” means to embark on a journey or task with purpose and gusto. Make a good start this year by planning and including physical activity outdoors and inside...while also meeting curriculum standards Be a great role model. Encourage and participate with children in physical activity. Adults demonstrate the importance of health and fitness through their actions as well as their words. Let’s get ‘em moving! Here’s how...<br />
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1. Go outside and play Shadow Tag: Instead of tagging bodies, the children step on each others’ shadows in this run and chase game.<br />
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2. Shadow Freeze: Play lively music and have children move in the open space. When the music stops, children must “freeze” their shadows. How long can they hold their shadows still? When the music starts again the children resume moving.<br />
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3. Shadow Dancing: Imitate each other’s movements. “Shadow Dancing Song” by Greg and Steve on “Kids in Motion” CD.<br />
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4. Shape Parade: Take your rhythm instruments outdoors and have a parade. Use appropriate marching music. Draw large shapes (circle, triangle, square, rectangle) with chalk on your outdoor surface. Have children march with instruments around each shape.<br />
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5. Create a unique movement path by placing <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25276&es=4523500000w&keyword=AP6226J&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Riverstones</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25276&es=4523500000w&keyword=AP6226J&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">AP6226J</a>) or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=activity%20hoops&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Activity Hoops</a> on the ground. Pretend they are rocks in a river. Get from one side to the other without stepping in the river.<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25276&es=4523500000w&keyword=AP6226J&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/products/25276b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. Go for a Wacky Walk: Place <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=movement%20spots&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Movement Spots</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22893&es=4523500000w&keyword=movement%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">arrows</a>, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22894&es=4523500000w&keyword=movement%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">shapes</a>, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22895&es=4523500000w&keyword=movement%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">hands and feet spots</a>) on the ground outside. Make paths for children to go in straight lines, then zig-zag lines, then curvy lines, and then try walking backwards. Place the<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22895&es=4523500000w&keyword=movement%20spots&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"> hands and feet spots</a> in such a way to encourage children to walk like dogs or bears.<br />
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7. I Spy: Go outside and take turns saying, <em>“I spy something ______”</em> and then have the children run to that object<br />
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8. Include motor skill challenges during transition times. For example, <em>“Let’s jump like frogs to circle time,”</em> or<em> “Please hop on one foot back to your seat.”</em> <br />
9. Snakes: Give each child a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=nylon%20jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Nylon Jump Rope</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=nylon%20jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">RPST</a>) and instruct them to place their rope on the ground in the shape of a “snake.” The snakes should all look different. When you say, “walk,” the children are to walk around without stepping on any of the rope snakes. Now add a variety of other locomotor movements as ways to travel around the snakes--tiptoe, run, jump, hop, gallop, skip, walk backwards.<br />
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10. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe: Take children outside and have them line up (shoulder to shoulder) facing you. Instruct children to clap and jump on the numbers in the rhyme and then act out the words. Do it in unison.<br />
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<em> One, two...Buckle my shoe.<br /> Three, four...Shut the door.<br /> Five, six...Pick up sticks.<br /> Seven, eight...Lay them straight.<br /> Nine, ten...A big fat hen.</em><br />
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On the word “hen” let children run in a circle counting from one to ten. On ten, they must be back in place to start the rhyme again.Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-76778931765186330542011-12-12T09:57:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:57:58.066-08:00The Floppy Flipper! Handmade Fun!No <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=glue&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">glue</a>, no <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=scissors&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">scissors</a>, no messy <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0es=4523500000w&&keyword=paint&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">paint</a>! Set out some simple art materials and let the children create an all-time favorite toy of unlimited play value--The Floppy Flipper!<br />
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This handmade piece of simple equipment costs pennies to make, is fun to play with and the benefits are priceless...promoting eye hand coordination, striking skills, crossing the midline, vestibular stimulation, spatial awareness, cooperation and creativity. This is the perfect gift to “give” to your child or the children in your care. More importantly, you can play with them...giving them the best gift of all...your time and participation!<br />
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A paint stick and packaging tape can be found at the local hardware store. Add a balloon or a small beach ball and let the games begin!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LLOdZg1UTbkDNXoxeeAQoWMHy8AzZWXDoDK3y2jvh-FxDZaKt0e1u53jEsM4JOyjJbkZS55pLYnOX8bdrKdC6uraYoA_DDSRRPx7jzZpn1JYb_f88Vg4k3l8kSOvnIsA04XeMlRUYU6B/s1600/floppy+flipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LLOdZg1UTbkDNXoxeeAQoWMHy8AzZWXDoDK3y2jvh-FxDZaKt0e1u53jEsM4JOyjJbkZS55pLYnOX8bdrKdC6uraYoA_DDSRRPx7jzZpn1JYb_f88Vg4k3l8kSOvnIsA04XeMlRUYU6B/s320/floppy+flipper.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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<strong>Materials Needed:</strong>2 <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&keyword=paper%20plates&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">White Paper Plates</a> (thin and uncoated) per Floppy Flipper (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&keyword=paper%20plates&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DIXIE</a>)<br />
Paint Sticks (1 per Floppy Flipper)<br />
Clear Packaging Tape<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=crayons&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Crayons</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=washable%20markers&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Washable Markers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=washable%20markers&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Colorations® Washable Chubbie Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=washable%20markers&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">CHUBBERS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17062&es=4523500000w&keyword=stamp%20PADS&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations Washable Stamp Pads</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17062es=4523500000w&&keyword=stamp%20PADS&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">STAMPADS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=stampers&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Stampers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=stickers&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">Stickers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=878&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Stapler</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=878&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">BVST</a>) and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Product=324&es=4523500000w&rec=PDHtop" target="_blank">Staples</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Product=324&es=4523500000w&rec=PDHtop" target="_blank">5000</a>)<br />
Balloon or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Beach Ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DYOBALL</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22821&es=4523500000w&keyword=permanent%20markers&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Permanent Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22821&es=4523500000w&keyword=permanent%20markers&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">PERMBLK</a>)<br />
<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong>1. Using a couple of pieces of clear packaging tape, tape the paint stick to the middle of one <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">paper plate</a>.<br />
<br />
2. Give each child another <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">paper plate</a> and ask him or her to decorate it with the available <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=art%20materials&scategoryid=0" target="_blank">art materials</a>.<br />
<br />
3. When the child is finished, staple the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">plate</a> to the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">plate</a> which you’ve taped to a paint stick.<br />
4. Have the child write or stamp their name on the paint stick handle. <br />
<br />
5. The Floppy Flipper is now ready to be played with!<br />
<br />
<strong>Floppy Flipper Wimbledon:</strong>Have each child pick a balloon, blow it up (or have it blown up) and tie it. Suggest they write their name on the balloon with a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22821&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_blank">permanent marker</a>. Instead of a balloon have the child decorate their own <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">small beach ball</a> (available at <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Default.aspx?src=logo" target="_blank">Discount School Supply®</a>).<br />
Let the children explore and play with their Floppy Flippers and balloons. Ask them to find out...<br />
<br />
• How high can they hit their balloon?<br />
• How far can they hit the balloon?<br />
• How many times in a row can they hit the balloon (How about five?!!)<br />
• How long can they keep their balloon in the air?<br />
• Can they hit their balloon, spin around, then hit it again?<br />
<br />
As the children become more proficient, ask them to try to keep a balloon in the air by hitting it back and forth with a partner. Now they’re playing Floppy Flipper Wimbledon!<br />
<br />
Suggest they change partners once or twice.<br />
<br />
As a further challenge for older kids, have them attempt to keep two balloons in the air by themselves or with partners!<br />
<br />
REMEMBER: Balloons ALWAYS require adult supervision. Always use helium quality balloons or sturdy punch ball balloons. Do not use fragile party balloons. You can cover balloons using knee hi stockings, pantyhose or any fruit mesh sacks (citrus, watermelon, cantaloupe). Should the balloon pop, the covering prevents burst balloon shards from being inhaled by children.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Default.aspx?es=4523500000w&src=logo" target="_blank"><strong>Discount School Supply®</strong></a><strong> Product Recommendations:</strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&keyword=dixie&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">9” White Paper Plates</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25195&es=4523500000w&keyword=dixie&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DIXIE</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Decorate Your Own Beach Ball</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25144&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DYOBALL</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=1328&es=4523500000w&keyword=crs16&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Regular Crayons</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=1328&es=4523500000w&keyword=dyoball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">CRS16</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23654&es=4523500000w&keyword=sniffy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Washable Scented Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23654&es=4523500000w&keyword=sniffy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">SNIFFY</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22844&es=4523500000w&keyword=dabdot&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Mini Dabber Dot Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22844&es=4523500000w&keyword=dabdot&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">DABDOT</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27670&es=4523500000w&keyword=bigstamp&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Jumbo Washable Stamp Pad</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27670&es=4523500000w&keyword=bigstamp&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">BIGSTAMP</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3736&es=4523500000w&keyword=abcstk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Uppercase Stamping Sticks</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3736&es=4523500000w&keyword=abcstk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ABCSTK</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=12799&es=4523500000w&keyword=lower&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Lowercase Stamping Sticks</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=12799&es=4523500000w&keyword=lower&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">LOWER</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17095&es=4523500000w&keyword=anistix&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Animal Stamping Sticks</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=17095&es=4523500000w&keyword=anistix&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">ANISTIX</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3249&es=4523500000w&keyword=super%20stamping%20sticks&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Super Stamping Sticks</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3249&es=4523500000w&keyword=super%20stamping%20sticks&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">STICKS</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=175&es=4523500000w&keyword=2088&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Assorted Stickers</a> ((<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=175&es=4523500000w&keyword=2088&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">2088</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=878&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Stapler</a> and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=324&es=4523500000w&keyword=5000&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Staples</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=878&es=4523500000w&keyword=bvst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">BVST</a> and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=324&es=4523500000w&keyword=5000&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">5000</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22820&es=4523500000w&keyword=permclr&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Colorations® Color Permanent Markers</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22820&es=4523500000w&keyword=permclr&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">PERMCLR</a>)Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-56857157597810262612011-11-10T14:12:00.001-08:002011-11-10T14:26:12.804-08:00Take 5 and Exercise!The brain needs to be oxygenated every 15 to 20 minutes and the
best way to accomplish that is to “get off your seat and onto your feet.” When we
physically move, we are sending blood and glucose to the brain, thus providing
much needed oxygen and nutrients that help the brain to retain information,
improve concentration and focus attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So start your day or intersperse throughout the day five different
stretches or exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you lead each
movement have the children count out loud to five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, start out with five Toe Touches.
Instruct children to bend over at waist and touch their toes as they say,
“One.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then say, “Up,” as children raise
their arms over their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then say,
“Two,” as children bend over and touch their toes again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue until you have completed 5 Toe
Touches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask the children to show you
with their fingers/hands and shout out loud how many Toe Touches they have
completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask the children what other
exercise they can do five times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
are some suggestions --<o:p></o:p><br />
Tummy Twists -- hands on waist as children twist from side to
side 5 times<br />
<br />
Arm Circles -- arms out to sides and make big circles while
counting to 5<br />
<br />
Jog in Place 5 Miles -- children count a slow but steady and loud
1, 2, 3, 4, 5<br />
<br />
Jumping Jacks -- arms at sides, feet together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jump up while spreading arms and legs apart
at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lift arms to ears and
open feet a little wider than shoulder width.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clap or touch hands above head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Return from jumping up by bringing arms back down to side and feet back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue with 4 more jumping
jack repetitions.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=22045&es=4523500000w&keyword=super%20play%20tumbling&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/22045.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember, after each exercise, to ask the children to show you
and tell you how many exercises they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reinforces learning and perhaps will encourage you and the children
to include some physical activity when waiting for the next activity or
including throughout your day a much needed “brain break!”Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-66036813844617898142011-10-13T10:09:00.000-07:002011-10-13T10:09:07.720-07:00Let's Go Outside and Play!Ask a child what their favorite part of the school day is and they will most likely say, OUTSIDE! October 16-22 is “Take It Outside!” week. Open the door and turn your learning environment inside out. Share the wonders of the natural world with young children while increasing moderate to vigorous activity, fostering creativity and imagination, activating all the senses, extending children’s language skills, encouraging loud and unstructured free play. The many health benefits of outdoor play (vitamin D exposure, increased immunity, better sleep, lower stress levels) create happy and healthy children. Here are some ideas of what you can do in your <a amp;keyword="outdoor%20classroom&scategoryid=0"target=_new"" href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w">Outdoor Classroom</a>:<br />
• Roll down a grassy hill. No hill? Pull out a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=tumbling%20mat&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">tumbling mat</a> and have children roll like a log from one end to the other.<br />
<br />
• Pull out the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">parachute</a> and move it like the wind, gently blowing (slow and soft movements up and down) or create strong gusty gales (fast and quick shaking movements). When the wind blows in the autumn, leaves fall from the trees, twirling and dancing in the wind. Place some real leaves on the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">parachute</a> and have the children shake the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">parachute </a>accordingly as you describe how the wind is blowing, either gently or more briskly. After a big, stormy strong wind the leaves have all scattered. Children will have fun as they “rake” up the leaves that have blown (shaken) off of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">parachute</a>. <br />
<br />
• Pick up a stick, find a rock, climb a tree, look for bugs, smell the flowers, collect leaves, go on a nature hike, dig in the dirt, jump in a puddle, have fun in the mud.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdirZTapJFYUwdbQAKsScu9Ww-WNOsz03ktV-fg7BpUSacYr8pNSyOZUOy3tE2IarS2Y91lc_OaRY7vBevVNF29JJN6kAMTNu_dvqQTeJk-2xkF2TWXSRCMQKxnXNx6DrTZVikxLLSZDX/s1600/Counting+rings+on+a+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdirZTapJFYUwdbQAKsScu9Ww-WNOsz03ktV-fg7BpUSacYr8pNSyOZUOy3tE2IarS2Y91lc_OaRY7vBevVNF29JJN6kAMTNu_dvqQTeJk-2xkF2TWXSRCMQKxnXNx6DrTZVikxLLSZDX/s320/Counting+rings+on+a+tree.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Go on a hike and count tree rings!</div>
<br />
• Play “I Spy Outside.” Take turns saying, “I spy something _____” and then together run to that object.<br />
<br />
• “Wanna Play Chase?” Children just want to run and it’s always fun to run with or after someone. Tell the children to always ask the person they want to chase, “Wanna play chase? I’ll chase you first and then you can chase me. On your mark, get set, go!”<br />
<br />
• Move like the animals -- fly like a bird, slither like a snake, scamper like a squirrel, walk like a bear, jump like a frog or a rabbit.<br />
<br />
• Set up a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=nature&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">Nature</a> Scavenger Hunt. After assessing your playground or yard, make a list of things that the children have to find. The list might include an acorn, a Y-shaped twig, a pinecone, a clover, a pillbug, a gray rock, or whatever else might be in the immediate environment. Naturally, the list will depend on the season and the age of the hunters.<br />
<br />
• Make a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15903&es=4523500000w&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Sidewalk Chalk</a> Obstacle Course. Using <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15903&es=4523500000w&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">sidewalk chalk</a> create a maze for children to follow using different movement skills. Draw -- straight lines, curvy roads, zig-zag paths for children to walk on; lily pads to frog jump onto; shapes to hop into; rivers to cross; and rainbows to jump over.<br />
<br />
Make <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=nature&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">nature</a> and the outdoors a part of your teaching. Lead the way and be the first to say, “Let’s Go Outside & Play!Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-50361950234990310012011-08-17T09:54:00.000-07:002011-08-17T09:57:27.291-07:00Alligator in the SwampToddlers to preschoolers will enjoy letting their imaginations “run wild” as they take a trip over a bridge (carrying a baby doll, animal or other object) crossing a swamp where a hungry alligator lives. Children are to walk the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">beam</a> and put the object they are holding into a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">basket</a> at the other end of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">beam</a>. When crossing the "swamp" children chant, <em>"I'm walking, I'm walking, I'm walking across the swamp. I hope that alligator doesn't go chomp."</em> Explain that the alligator who lives in the swamp will not bother the children as long as they stay on the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">beam</a> and don’t drop anything that they are carrying. If they do drop something or step off the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">beam</a>, the alligator (you) will chase them until they deposit everything they are carrying in the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">basket</a>. This is play with a purpose -- promoting physical, cognitive and social emotional development. What fun...and learning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&keyword=248&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new""><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/00188.jpg" /></a></div><strong>Materials and Set Up:</strong><br />
1. <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&keyword=248&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Low Balance Beam</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&keyword=248&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">248</a>) - a bridge over a swamp (floor) where a hungry alligator lives.<br />
2. Variety of safe objects to carry—<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=549&es=4523500000w&keyword=soft%20baby&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">soft babies</a>, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=plastic%20animals&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">plastic animals</a>, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=beanbags&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">beanbags</a>, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=blocks&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">blocks</a>, etc.<br />
3. <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&keyword=basket&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Basket</a> or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16154&es=4523500000w&keyword=bucket&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">bucket</a> placed at far end of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">balance beam</a>.<br />
4. Adult to role play alligator moving around in open space (swamp).<br />
<br />
<strong>Lets Get Started:</strong><br />
1. Give child one object.<br />
2. Ask child to walk (heel-toe) across the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">balance beam</a> slowly carrying the soft object, chanting, <em>"I'm walking, I'm walking, I'm walking across the swamp. I hope that alligator doesn't go chomp."</em><br />
3. When child reaches end of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">beam</a> they are to toss or drop the object into the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">basket</a>.<br />
4. Explain to children that they should not step off the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">beam</a> or drop anything into the swamp (floor) because the hungry alligator (adult with extended arms moving up and down like alligator’s jaws) will chase them until they put what they are carrying into the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">basket</a>.<br />
<br />
Furthermore:<br />
1. Give children more things to carry each time they attempt to walk across the alligator swamp.<br />
2. Ask children to carry <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=beanbags&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">beanbags</a> balanced on their heads and shoulders.<br />
3. Have children move across the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">balance beam</a> using other modes of travel. Continue by interjecting other movements such as: <em>“I'm swimming, I'm swimming, I'm swimming across the swamp. I hope that alligator doesn't go chomp.”</em> Can also do tip toeing, jumping etc.<br />
<br />
<strong>Objectives/Learning Outcomes:</strong><br />
1. Gross motor coordination—using the trunk and large muscles and limbs of the body—to walk with legs and hold and toss items with arms and hands. Gross motor movement is the predecessor to fine motor skills that are required for formal school work.<br />
2. Dynamic Balance—being able to hold the position of the body when the body is moving—walking across the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">balance beam</a>. Self-control is important for learning.<br />
3. Eye hand coordination—eyes and hands working together to toss the beanbag into the basket. Eyes and hands need to work together in order to write.<br />
4. Imagery—formation of mental images by memory, imagination or fancy—pretending to cross a bridge over a swamp inhabited by an alligator. Imagination is the precursor to intellectual development.<br />
5. Self-confidence—faith in oneself and one’s own abilities---children can cross <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">balance beam</a> and deliver the object without dropping it.<br />
<br />
<strong>Product Recommendations:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">Balance Beam</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=188&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">248</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=7652&es=4523500000w&keyword=steplog&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Step-A-Logs</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=7652&es=4523500000w&keyword=steplog&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">STEPLOG</a>)<br />
Beanbags (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28809&es=4523500000w&keyword=megabean&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">MEGABEAN</a> and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=932&es=4523500000w&keyword=cbb&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">CBB</a>)<br />
Plastic Animals (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27627&es=4523500000w&keyword=BABYFARM&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">BABYFARM</a> and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=27626&es=4523500000w&keyword=BABYZOO&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">BABYZOO</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=549&es=4523500000w&keyword=ALL4BY&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Multicultural Velour Soft Babies</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=549&es=4523500000w&keyword=ALL4BY&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">ALL4BY</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3539&es=4523500000w&keyword=VLRBLK&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Soft Velour Blocks</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3539&es=4523500000w&keyword=VLRBLK&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">VLRBLK</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&keyword=willow&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Willow Baskets</a> (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25489&es=4523500000w&keyword=willow&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">WILLOW</a>)Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-5826519629855640102011-06-30T14:19:00.000-07:002011-07-01T09:23:58.194-07:00Rainy Day Active Play IdeasNo shoes, no problem! It’s summertime. It’s wet and warm outside and water play comes naturally to young children. And don’t hesitate to join in too. As long as there is no lightning or thunder, being outside is a joyful experience! “Get your feet wet” with some of these rainy day <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1&es=4523500000w&src=categorynavigation4" target="_new"">active play</a> ideas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_jXBLaUQkvYBD2fGuShM1PoL6x-ppOeGvZQNJxl4Dwf-3OaBtgWZw_Suz-56HLKL8-mTV3zXQLX1dcCOFCeRM0RVdV6UCAZuBSTnHxRL3NtYNb5FMUEIf2HiTqizWkebSKcGJsO8OQ2H/s1600/get+your+feet+wet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_jXBLaUQkvYBD2fGuShM1PoL6x-ppOeGvZQNJxl4Dwf-3OaBtgWZw_Suz-56HLKL8-mTV3zXQLX1dcCOFCeRM0RVdV6UCAZuBSTnHxRL3NtYNb5FMUEIf2HiTqizWkebSKcGJsO8OQ2H/s320/get+your+feet+wet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
1. Splash and jump in puddles. Ask the children, “How many puddles did you find to jump in?<br />
<br />
2. Blow<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=bubbles&scategoryid=0" target="_new""> bubbles</a> in the rain. Challenge the children to pop them using <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=778&es=4523500000w&keyword=bloc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price="target=_new">sand blocks</a> or to catch them with a chopstick.<br />
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3. Run and find a rainbow. If it’s a sunny rainy day, chances are that you just might spot a rainbow or two. Encourage the children to run to it and try to find the legendary “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow. If no rainbow in sight, let children run with their own <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2952&es=4523500000w&keyword=rainbow%20wrist&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Rainbow Dancing Wrist Band</a> in hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2952&es=4523500000w&keyword=rainbow%20wrist&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new""><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/02952.jpg" /></a></div>4. Colorful rain dance. Allow children to paint an arm or leg with <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3704&es=4523500000w&keyword=wst&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera paint</a> or even draw a silly face on their stomach. Now it’s time to get out in the rain and “dance, dance, dance” until the color washes away.<br />
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5. Nature walk and insect and crawly critter hunt. Some bugs become active when it rains. Bring along a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=7594&es=4523500000w&keyword=magnifying%20glass&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">magnifying glass</a> to look along sidewalks, in the grasses, or under rocks and pieces of wood to find worms, beetles, slugs, snails, roly-polies, ants.<br />
<br />
6. Wet and Wild <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16000&es=4523500000w&keyword=obstacle%20course&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Obstacle Course</a>. Kick a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&keyword=ball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">ball</a> around <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">cones</a>, walk the river logs (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=7652&es=4523500000w&keyword=step%20a%20log&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Step-A-Logs Balance Beam</a>), jump the river (two <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2972&es=4523500000w&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">jump ropes</a> laid on the ground in a V-shape), toss soggy <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=foambs&scategoryid=0"target=_new">foam balls</a> into a bucket, and go mountain climbing in the rain (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Cones and Poles</a> -- thread a pole horizontally through medium or high level holes in two cones to make a crossbar (mountain) for climbing (stepping over).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=21829&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new""><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/21829.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Jump, run, walk, kick, dance, toss, throw are all active verbs that encourage active play.<br />
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Head outside and have some rainy day fun!Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-30425830604497666002011-06-14T09:33:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:33:10.896-07:00Round, Round, Round, Round...I Run AroundA <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=ball&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">ball</a> is round and invites play with a partner or a group of friends. Let’s go outside, and play an active game that combines kicking a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=ball&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">ball</a>, as in <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3161&es=4523500000w&keyword=soccer&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">soccer</a>, and running around <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&keyword=bases&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">bases</a>, as in baseball. No wonder <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">kickball</a> is sometimes called soccer-baseball.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28817&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new""><img border="0" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/f56fbb0e0e3d5f/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/Products/28817.jpg" t8="true" /></a><strong></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Kickball for Little Kids</strong></div>There are no outs or fouls in this preschool friendly game, just a lot of kicking and running.<br />
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<strong>Materials Needed:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">Rubber playground ball</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&keyword=bases&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">3 Bases and 1 Home Plate</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=setc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">10 Colored Cones</a><br />
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<strong>Set Up:</strong><br />
• Playing field - grass, dirt, asphalt or cement <br />
• Place <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">bases and home plate</a> in the same general arrangement as you would a baseball diamond but make the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">base</a> paths much closer to each other (i.e., 20 feet apart)<br />
• 2 or more adults/play leaders<br />
<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong><br />
1. Gather children and have them watch and listen as directions of how to play are demonstrated.<br />
2. An adult/play leader places the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">ball</a> on <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">home plate</a>.<br />
3. One child stands or approaches and kicks the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">ball</a> as hard as he/she can.<br />
4. Children who are not “kickers” can position themselves near the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">bases</a>to catch the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">ball</a> that is kicked into the playing field,<br />
5. The “kicker” runs around the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">bases</a> and returns to <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">home plate</a>.<br />
6. The game continues until every child has had a turn or “runs out of breath.”<br />
7. Every child is a winner when they cross <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">home plate</a>! Be assured that they will want to kick the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">ball</a> and run the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">bases</a> again and again. This is play with a purpose and promotes coordination and lots of vigorous physical activity! <br />
<br />
<strong>Furthermore:</strong><br />
• As children become more skillful, the adult/play leader can roll the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">ball</a> to the child at <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">home plate</a> and the child stands and kicks the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&rv=True" target="_new"">ball</a> that is rolled at them.<br />
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<strong>Recommended Products:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=setc&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">SETC - Colored Cones</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28717&es=4523500000w&keyword=bases&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">BASES - Indoor/Outdoor Bases</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2752&es=4523500000w&keyword=pgset&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">PGSET - Playground Balls</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28817&es=4523500000w&keyword=kickball&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">KICKBALL - Kickball for all Ages</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28324&es=4523500000w&keyword=ballkit&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">BALLKIT - Ultimate Ball Kit</a>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-42520497031849332892011-05-16T10:28:00.000-07:002011-05-16T10:28:00.856-07:00Fruit Family Exercise GameMay is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! Being physically fit encompasses muscular strength and endurance (increases bone growth and fortifies bone density), cardiovascular endurance (exercises the heart) and flexibility (moving joints and muscles through their full range of motion). Spring into action with this cooperative group game that highlights healthy eating, produces endorphins, promotes physical fitness as well as moderate to vigorous physical activity. Be Fit, Be Happy, Be Healthy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fC_MyNEwFE8nLdCQHsJ_5ax5Abx9cghv8-BwfVS8shYi0VGeHLaxtmBcU5DdalHFarGRhoSfBmXiCrrYGjSic1Rx3FCtXnEh_xOBhaFSgQapnoYu-Xu4sMxeQa74GwlUbD_e3uWPPLM9/s1600/strong+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fC_MyNEwFE8nLdCQHsJ_5ax5Abx9cghv8-BwfVS8shYi0VGeHLaxtmBcU5DdalHFarGRhoSfBmXiCrrYGjSic1Rx3FCtXnEh_xOBhaFSgQapnoYu-Xu4sMxeQa74GwlUbD_e3uWPPLM9/s1600/strong+girls.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Fruit Family Exercise</strong><br />
Materials Needed: Available indoor or outdoor space<br />
Music: CD player and CD<br />
<br />
<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong><br />
1. Children sit in a circle. Have children count off as an “apple,” “orange,“ and “banana.” <br />
2. “Apples” stand up, leave the circle and scatter in the available space.<br />
3. “Oranges” go and stand toe to toe with an “apple.”<br />
4. “Bananas” go join an “apple/orange” pair to create a “Fruit Family” consisting of an “apple, orange and banana.”<br />
5. When the music starts, apples will do an exercise of their choice (jumping jacks, jog in place, touch toes, etc.). <br />
6. “Oranges” will count the number of completed exercises the “apples” do.<br />
7. “Bananas” will be the “cheerleaders” and encourage the “apples” with actions and words to motivate and inspire by jumping up and down, arms in the air shouting <em>“You can do it!” “You have the power!” “You have the energy!” “You GO!”</em><br />
8. When the music stops, “oranges” tell the “apples” how many exercises they did, and “bananas” will give the “apples” a high five, pat on the back, round of applause or any other affirmation of their choice.<br />
9. The game continues with the “oranges” exercising, “bananas” counting, and the “apples” cheerleading. When the music stops, the “bananas” tell the “oranges” the total amount of exercises completed, and the “apples” share in the celebrating with the oranges. <br />
10. The game ends after the “bananas” exercise, “apples” count, and “oranges” cheer encouragement.Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-28944941384125960622011-04-12T09:16:00.000-07:002011-04-12T09:16:58.119-07:00Scrambled Eggs and IcebergsHave a few minutes and don’t know “what to do next???” Here’s an “egg"-ceptionally active game for the whole group. It promotes moderate to vigorous physical activity and an opportunity to practice <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=gross%20motor%20skills&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">gross motor skills</a> and even some creative movement. Let the “egg"-citement begin!<br />
<br />
<strong>Materials:</strong><br />
Indoor or outdoor space with boundaries -- <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3083&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_nw"">Colored Cones</a> or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2075&es=4523500000w&keyword=cones&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_new"">Hop Around Steps</a><br />
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<strong>Let’s Get Started:</strong><br />
1. Children standing or sitting as they listen and watch as the directions are given and demonstrated.<br />
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2. When children hear the command, <em>“scrambled eggs,”</em> they are to jog (running at a slow pace) in the play space without bumping into each other.<br />
<br />
3. When the command <em>“icebergs,”</em> is given, children are to freeze (children cease all activity) in place without falling down.<br />
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4. Other commands of locomotor transport skills/traveling actions will be given, such as jumping, marching, hopping, galloping, tiptoe, etc. When children hear that command they must switch to the new movement.<br />
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5. Example of how game would flow: <em>“scrambled eggs”</em> (jog), <em>“icebergs”</em> (freeze), <em>“jump”</em> (blasting off with two feet and landing on two feet), <em>“scrambled eggs”</em> (jog), <em>“hop”</em> (blasting off on one foot and landing on the same foot), <em>“icebergs”</em> (freeze), <em>“marching”</em> (a precise type of walk, accompanied by lifted knees and swing arms), <em>“icebergs”</em> (freeze).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY3vZ_dOO7SskoOaDbCwRwDj_B-qTVIBQ2NyPOAyxcyfa6PK854bAli3_sIZ5OTgTi9s2Fy93uhEbgRS4wIp5nnu1K7H-0XnUnWSKpbSl47cGuBThORP0eTakk3Sq5iuVaDfcX-eCaO_h/s1600/sharron+grandson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY3vZ_dOO7SskoOaDbCwRwDj_B-qTVIBQ2NyPOAyxcyfa6PK854bAli3_sIZ5OTgTi9s2Fy93uhEbgRS4wIp5nnu1K7H-0XnUnWSKpbSl47cGuBThORP0eTakk3Sq5iuVaDfcX-eCaO_h/s320/sharron+grandson.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Furthermore:</strong><br />
1. Try to trick children by repeating a command twice in a row.<br />
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2. Encourage creative movement by asking the children to <em>“fly like an airplane,” “gallop like a horse,” “move like a train,”</em> etc.<br />
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3. Ask the children give the movement commands or let one child be the game leader and give all the commands.<br />
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<strong>Goals:</strong><br />
1. Physical activity: any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure.<br />
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2. Locomotor transport skills or traveling actions: body propels, projects, or moves from one location to another by jumping (with both feet), hopping (with one foot), galloping (step-hop with one foot leading forward), tiptoe (balance on balls of feet and toes with heels raised), skipping (series of step-hops done with alternate feet), among others.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=gross%20motor%20skills&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">Gross motor skills</a>: using the large muscles of the arms, legs and trunk(to perform traveling actions).<br />
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4. Space awareness: knowing where the body can and should move in relationship to other people in the play space.<br />
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5. Shared space: all of the designated play space that can be used by everyone.<br />
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6. Cooperative play: games and activities that the participants play together rather than against one another.<br />
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7. <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=listening&scategoryid=0" target="_new"">Listening skills</a>: ability to follow verbal directions.Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-40424693752274625582011-03-16T09:27:00.000-07:002011-03-16T11:42:01.260-07:00More Parachute Play!Never been introduced to the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a>? It’s time you finally used this outstanding “loose material” that you can successfully play with indoors or out. In my <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2010/03/parachute-play.html?es=4523500000w" target="'_new">blog post</a> of March 11, 2010, I shared some <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2010/03/parachute-play.html?es=4523500000w" target="'_new">“Parachute Play”</a> ideas with you. Recently, at a Kindergarten conference in California, I brought out the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> to the delight of the participants. One teacher commented, “This is the first time I’ve played with the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a>...very fun, exciting and educational! Thanks for the experience!”<br /><br />Here are some more ideas to use with toddlers to kindergartners...<br /><br /><strong>Come Under My Umbrella</strong> (Tune: <em>“Did You Ever See a Lassie?”)<br /></em>Have the children hold the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> at their waist (belly button), then the teacher says, “Touch toes, ready, lift,” while singing...(and keep touching toes and lifting)<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584722765554322274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKH6A1luZjOEeYRdlDxfEbrvJhyEo7T6nZzSTNsFFqJNikawroEoeL-CkMMejKrKgEbOn6hFbh75ge_aIlY4Y1i__bwI6ZI0sSPY_m3PXsqkg1kYSlLfJIrVEZ1E99PFCkIYBdK7jb59a/s320/parachute+2.jpg" /><em>Come under my um-brel-la, um-brel-la, um-brel-la.<br />Come under my um-brel-la, it’s rain-ing today.<br /></em><br />Hold <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> at waist and shake up and down, while singing...<br /><br /><em>With thunder and lightning,<br />With thunder and lightning!<br /></em><br />Touch toes, ready, lift, repeat - while singing...<br /><br /><em>Come under my um-brel-la,<br />It’s rain-ing today!<br /><br /></em>After a few verses, let the children sit under the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> and enjoy the visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation with adults shaking the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> above their heads while continuing to sing...<em>with thunder and lightning, with thunder and lightning...<br /></em><br /><strong>Volcano<br /></strong>Have the children hold the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> at their waist (belly button), then say, <em>“Touch toes, ready, lift.”</em> The <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> is inflated and the children take three steps forward on your command of <em>“Volcano.”</em> They quickly bring the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> down and kneel on the outside edge (the air that is trapped inside of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> makes it look like the shape of a volcano). On the command, <em>“Volcano Erupt,”</em> the children creep on hands and knees or crawl on their bellies to the center of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> which deflates the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> making the “volcano erupt.” The children love this activity which has them working cooperatively as well as using their imaginations. Please...do it again and again!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584722763557938290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DNyIqnk_Md8SNXJ2Mj9WPHmkwKNFoEhRYJ8YKrybpVv0AFEP0HxtWEkg7VSmADeklbq38rdsPuiKhTvGG41TJUjWycyczLokCs0kqkSJAoegpT9G3WzU5du48DVeB3soJl7e-jvhk6cS/s320/volcano.jpg" /><strong>Motor Boat<br /></strong>Sit one child on top of the mesh hole in the center of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> or two children sitting back to back on top of the mesh middle. Everyone else holds the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> with one hand and steps backward so the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> is very taut and up off the floor, except for the children sitting in the middle on the floor. All those holding the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> walk in a circle going left (everyone should be walking forward--looking at the back of the person in front of them). As we walk, we chant--<br /><br /><em>Motor boat, motor boat go so slow,<br /></em><br />Walk faster or jog the next time we go around, chanting--<br /><br /><em>Motor boat, motor boat go so fast,</em><br /><br />The last time around the circle pick up more speed and all run, saying --<br /><br /><em>Motor boat, motor boat, step on the gas!<br /><br /></em>Continue playing Motor Boat until everyone who wants a turn gets a ride on top of the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a>. </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584722757759758354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W864pEUCEOvvJ3FrDeTH7me8NJxufPSdZ4h0TEturJYsiKthnE9qpxgckJaGXmbun2nOrasn0aAmARIsYv2_SVk465_ykBiMRoPmt6DsSoBKFojuDrX4agr9y5060rYCxPGKCKd7V9J0/s320/parachute.jpg" />A <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> (plus lots of other really great equipment to use for physical activity) and a DVD with me actually conducting <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000w&keyword=parachute&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">parachute</a> activities can be found in Sharron’s Play Power Motor Skills Set. You can’t go wrong with this teacher-friendly resource kit to get kids up and moving. Any questions or need more info just contact me at 925-980-8353 or <a href="mailto:sharronkrull@gmail.com">sharronkrull@gmail.com</a>.</p>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-86165491869157799332011-02-22T08:48:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:55:36.017-08:00Driving with Hoops!I never tire of sharing games and activities using the very versatile <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">Activity Hoop</a>. In a blog I posted in May of 2010, I gave directions on how to play a <a href="http://sharinwithsharron.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-play-musical-chairs-when-you-can.html" target="'_new">non-competitive version of musical chairs using the hoop</a>. This time, we’re going to use our imaginations as we pretend that our <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">Activity Hoop</a> is a steering wheel. Get ready to start your engines!<br /><div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578783609964188498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEftknkcFBsdJKqE1myrjNw-x4LNMHhWgLB5-k3RTBjOZv6XLKiPSTA1U6rSt3KvxepU1xVlpaUnZff2_EkBknDuv9S2yYV1NhI5BeSnU3aOqxbo3hg91SaukzdLvHSiEg6v4yX9wJe1Sb/s320/Driving+With+Hoops.JPG" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Car and Driver</span></strong><br /><strong>Materials and Set Up:</strong><br />One <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> per child<br />Available indoor or outdoor space<br /><br /><strong>Let’s Get Started:<br /></strong>1. Children watch and listen as directions of how to play are demonstrated.<br />2. Each child, standing up, holds the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> in front of their body. Tell them to imagine that the hoop is the steering wheel of a car and that they are the driver.<br />3. When children hear the following commands they are to do the corresponding movements as directed:<br />Green Light = GO (walk and turn <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> like driving)<br />Yellow Light = MOVE SLOWLY (getting ready to stop)<br />Red Light = STOP (freeze in place as if at a stop light or stop sign)<br />School Zone = SKIP<br />Highway = RUN<br />Uphill = MARCH<br />Flat Tire = HOP<br />Tunnel = DUCK DOWN (bend knees and lower level of body)<br />Pot Hole = LEAP<br />Woo-Woo-Woo = MOVE TO THE SIDE AND STOP (emergency vehicle coming)<br /><br /><strong>Furthermore:<br /></strong>• With younger children only use 3 – 4 commands/movements.<br />• Vary the length of time between the commands.<br />• Try to “trick” children by repeating commands twice in a row.<br />• Children may devise other commands and movements. </div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578783849923378754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHurk8z93ddo2vsOE3QgyOBM5Ac71gBMpm8HxKAeB4QqaaIb-9tCR53LUvaCgk_nurkkmR6-OfybhZV9auRL_E9bcZVlWQyblt63GyTY20YI7yuY-kd3hLL0bQ8jktvGChJiylnYLcu13/s320/playlearn7.jpg" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">On the Road Again<br /></span>Materials and Set Up:<br /></strong>One <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> per child<br />Available indoor or outdoor space<br /><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=-1&es=4523500000W&scategoryid=0&keyword=music+player&page=1&pagesize=12&Sort=0&&CategorySearch=826" target="_new">Music player</a> and <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=-1&es=4523500000W&scategoryid=0&keyword=music&page=1&pagesize=12&Sort=0&&CategorySearch=825" target="_new">music</a> (i.e., Song: <em>Little Deuce Coupe</em> by The Beach Boys or <em>On the Road Again</em> by Willie Nelson)<br /><br /><strong>Let’s Get Started:<br /></strong>1. Instruct the children to put their <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> on the ground and stand inside it.<br />2. Tell them that the hoop is their steering wheel. When the music starts, they are to lift the hoop up to waist level and use both hands to turn it right and left as if driving while they walk around in the open space.<br />3. When the music stops, the children stop and drop their hoops to the ground as if they’ve reached a stop sign or stop light.<br />4. When the music starts again, they bend down and pick up their <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoops</a> and continue to drive.<br />5. Fun ensues when you start and stop the music for short intervals or keep it on for long stretches. Add some dialogue to the game by mentioning that they may be caught speeding if going to fast.<br />6. The game lasts the length of one song.<br /><br /><strong>Furthermore:<br /></strong>Challenge children with this variation of the game. When the music stops ask the children to pair up. One partner steps inside the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> and holds it at waist level. The second player steps in front of his partner in the <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> and holds his <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoop</a> in front of his body like a steering wheel. Children are to work together and move using both <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoops</a> when the music starts. When the music stops, they switch places and get to play opposite roles. This game teaches the children to work together and make cooperative decisions about moving in the same direction. Encourage the partners to come up with other ways to move together using both <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2070es=4523500000W" target="'_new">hoops</a>. </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578784228184939426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGDZvPKYocGFYZujDiOZhIXYtuhrrYrD8YvEwVMbSVCNGTZlkO9D2uC6HalLEey3RbHdDzdK8NoVCuWHOglbqb_NMs8Koe4ApsFkBjwMsF9y64U7W6h3m_UdB0i0xUR8DOUU3i7fDccrh/s320/playlearn3.jpg" /><br />Both of these hoop games promote and develop the following goals or learning outcomes:<br /><br />• Locomotor transport skills: body moves from one place to another by walking, leaping, hopping, skipping, etc.<br />• <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000W&keyword=gross%20motor%20development&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">Gross motor development</a>: using the large muscles of the arms, legs and trunk to perform movements such as walking, running, marching<br />• Directionality: the inner sense and knowledge of where things are in relation to the body<br />• <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=452350000W&keyword=spatial%20aware&scategoryid=0" target="'_new" keyword="'spatial%20awareness&scategoryid=">Spatial awareness</a>: coordinated movement in relationship to other objects in the environment<br />• <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&ew=4523500000W&keyword=bilateral&scategoryid=0" target="'_new" keyword="bilateral%20coordination&scategoryid=">Bilateral coordination</a>: using both sides of the body in unison<br />• Midline: the invisible line running from the head to the toes and dividing the body into right and left halves<br />• Crossing the midline: means that one hand spontaneously moves to the other side of the body to work there (i.e., turning the hoop like a steering wheel in a large arc)<br />• <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000W&keyword=listening&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">Listening skills</a>: ability to follow verbal directions<br />• <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000W&keyword=cooperation&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">Cooperation</a>: two or more people playing together rather than against one another, just or the fun of it<br />• <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=0&es=4523500000W&keyword=agility&scategoryid=0" target="'_new">Agility</a>: quick, easy, lively movements<br />• Imagery: formation of mental images by memory, imagination or fancy </p>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-11036574193775800882011-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:002011-01-21T14:34:11.507-08:00I Am Moving, I Am Learning!<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">This month I attended the <strong>“I Am Moving, I Am Learning” (IMIL)</strong> Facilitator Training in San Jose, CA. As a play and physical activity specialist, I totally embrace the IMIL program. It is a proactive approach for addressing childhood obesity in <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/community/landing.aspx?campaignid=1026&HeadStart&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Head Start </a>children and one of the <em>BEST</em> models I’ve seen for implementing a literal “call to action” on a very serious issue impacting our country. The program is also consistent with the objectives of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative. While at the training, I thought, “I am learning (and moving!) so much!” and I wanted to share a few of my ah-has with you:<br /><br />• Our children inherit more than our genes. They inherit our lifestyles. We need to be healthy and consistent role models for physical activity and nutrition. We have the first generation of children who will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.<br /><br />• “Approximately one in five children are overweight or obese by the time they reach their sixth birthday...” <em>(White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity report to the President, May 2010.)<br /></em><br />• As little as 10 minutes of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1&es=4523500000W" target="_new">physical activity </a>(short bursts of moderate to vigorous physical activity) is beneficial to children and adults. It yields improvements in blood pressure, waist circumference, mood and attention span.<br /><br />• Many children can be the “boss of their body” and “tell their muscles what to do.” In other words, they can self-regulate their movement behaviors and motor activity. We just need to provide the space, time and opportunities!<br /><br />• There are many motor milestones (i.e., hopping, skipping, throwing, catching) in early childhood. We should make a career of celebrating early childhood milestones with children.<br /><br />• We need to be intentional about how children play; we need to provide quality experiences facilitated by informed adults.<br /><br />• Make physical activity FUN and children and adults will COME! (Plan and participate in the activities or games that you are facilitating.)<br /><br />• Here are two great resources that I look forward to tapping into: <a href="http://www.choosykids.com/" target="_new">http://www.choosykids.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.headstartbodystart.org/" target="_new">http://www.headstartbodystart.org/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Physical activity and play </a>is receiving a great amount of attention that we should all take to heart and body! Now, let’s get moving! Remember to keep checking back here to see the many <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1&es=4523500000W" target="_new">games and activities </a>that will be featured in this year’s Sharin’ with Sharron Blog on Movement, Play and Physical Activity!</span>Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-59233416678667191222010-12-03T14:05:00.000-08:002010-12-03T15:37:08.170-08:00No Batteries Required: 5 Great Gifts That Get Kids Moving<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16191&category=2&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><strong><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546599634965186306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfw5yXrt4OJHbGm-PeZe8eWW-ckzeqWsgKS4aeHJJSCzuxWkL129pR7AU4CsUhmOcrJkqN-LLnARS3Kie_jFhsF6d0gCfSgsyisB650zCQ1Jvxrbjgk6sDIqaot_bHfoNiCiiUD4_haN5/s320/balls.jpg" /></strong></a><strong>1. </strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=2&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><strong>Balls</strong> </a>-- Throw them, toss them, catch them, roll them, kick them, bounce them. Children of all ages love balls. They develop gross motor and fine motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination. A <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28715&keyword=basketball%20hoop&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Basketball Hoop</a>, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25079&keyword=soccer%20goal&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Soccer Goal</a>, or <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=15497&keyword=target%20toss&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Target Toss </a>make for a value added gift that spans across ages!<br /><br /><strong>2. </strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2773&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><strong>Jump Ropes</strong> </a>-- Simple and inexpensive, this piece of equipment can be taken anywhere. Jumping rope is a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=2773&keyword=jump%20rope&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546600487318707682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGuKKmY8jR8fJmzhkO-GMArL7Wy80zRl2GHPmNq0SxgNQEaYh3Bm-RWl6jWxDO9Op7_H5Rt4h4AC3OmciM_bYbHQgePmQzykcmUqJsi5Ep90VcH5PTlN3Ao8hbjEzlKO-UMBH0hH0VRh9/s320/jump+rope.jpg" /></a>cardiovascular activity which also improves strength, balance, agility and coordination. Preschoolers, not ready to jump rope, can walk and balance on a straight or curved rope on the ground or jump over a stationary rope held a few inches off the ground.<br /><br /><strong>3. </strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&keyword=hoops&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><strong>Hoops</strong> </a>-- What goes around comes around! When using hoops, the goal is to keep the hoop moving on your hips as long as possible. The hoop can also be rotated around other parts of the body-- arms, legs, neck-- just <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=28266&keyword=hoops&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546600907191987906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ17uMPTfzRH_g1URxrO_z1sKOe5uB2om5e68CikL8kGt5EyRr7sD6xMn58ncWd6bpqXxHHw1-tu6hI6ouVXjsf5P5AVO1t61mzZeu4F-edsIRhX6J2uGZGKR89OtXZnp9YMesny-GdcX/s320/zebra+hoop.jpg" /></a>for the fun of it. Young children can roll the hoop and run to catch it before it falls flat on the ground. There are even smaller <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Product=2070&rec=PDHtop&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Activity Hoops </a>that some children will feel more comfortable using. The Hula Hoop was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1999. While still being fun for children to play with, it has taken a turn in even offering health benefits for adult fitness.<br /><br /><strong>4. </strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1595&Rating=0&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><strong>Trikes & Wheeled Toys</strong> </a>-- Experts recommend about 1½ to 2 hours of physical activity for toddlers and preschoolers <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3199&category=1595&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546601738278689410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5TpuxEKGiEVhLUxbbBunGeLj0PWhTzKqqqHUss-bWdE9HQ2BVIawQLn51UZm-gTa8i68JUv-QO91FHZ28skasyui3CVji9G4-Aog0YS5zzSM7L-DIzJM4V_Y2xgnCl121fITmG2Yqaum/s320/trike.jpg" /></a>daily, especially outdoor activities like pedaling a tricycle and using push/pull/ride toys. The <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1595&Rating=0&es=4523500000W" target="_new">tricycle </a>is a great first set of wheels for children younger than 5. Inside or out, time spent wheeling around puts children in the “driver’s seat,” allowing them to explore the limits of their skills in a positive way. Watching a child’s excitement as he or she learns to ride their first trike is thrilling and fun! Plus, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1595&Rating=0&es=4523500000W" target="_new">tricycles </a>are such a memorable part of childhood.<br /><br /><strong>5. </strong><a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=13053&keyword=hopscotch&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><strong>Hopscotch</strong> </a>-- Whether you make your own grid with some <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=656&keyword=sidewalk%20chalk&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Sidewalk Chalk </a>or purchase a <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=13053&keyword=hopscotch&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Hopscotch Play Carpet</a>, the game of hopscotch is a classic children’s game. Start by tossing the marker (typically a stone, coin or bean bag) into the first square. The player then hops through the course, skipping the square with the marker on it. Single squares must be hopped on one foot. Side by side squares are straddle jumped, with the left foot landing in the left square, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=13053&keyword=hopscotch&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=4523500000W" target="_new"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546602098146237858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELMC3Vhtyy_1r30-Erk994NGoGQ1mTLagcxhUqJjtMlIuBMUU0iXhDF8ulWjkHkhDq_Wsn_WRRVVe5TRNGuMwwwduVj9qOmMWFesx9yjDi3t1IlwnAZAJa8bzxG8BavZ-7JfQuvftt1AV/s320/hopscotch.jpg" /></a>and the right foot landing in the right square. The idea is to go through the entire course without losing your balance. After you get to the top, you turn and head back down the course picking up the stone or bean bag when you come to it. If you complete the course without falling, stepping on a line, or missing one of the boxes, you throw the marker to the next numbered box and repeat the process. If you don’t complete the course, you must wait your turn and then start in the box where you ended your previous turn. Hopscotch lets kids hop and jump their way to being more physically active while developing balance, coordination and flexibility.<br /><br />Why not give a gift that keeps on giving? <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?category=1&es=4523500000W" target="_new">Active gifts </a>will give children endless hours of fun, keep them moving and fit and developing important motor skills.Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654609080714074044.post-19241716094667298992010-10-29T16:46:00.000-07:002010-10-29T16:55:28.145-07:00Trick or Treat Halloween Game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfv1ErUx2_kfHfhBVO1sf_N_UVOC51q48uUohkFSAfcm85JkwH0oSLdkEw2bQOKWVFNjqvsCwmWU3tQZ_ok051HVEyen-fY8Qrjq6twSZ2QhDd5dEWOfEws4zcPeXYsv6WzHqmfNePpo_/s1600/halloween_bags.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533620864399180754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfv1ErUx2_kfHfhBVO1sf_N_UVOC51q48uUohkFSAfcm85JkwH0oSLdkEw2bQOKWVFNjqvsCwmWU3tQZ_ok051HVEyen-fY8Qrjq6twSZ2QhDd5dEWOfEws4zcPeXYsv6WzHqmfNePpo_/s200/halloween_bags.jpg" /></a> The element of suspense combined with movement makes this a spooktacular active Halloween game. Will you pick a “Treat” or have to do a “Trick?”<br /><br /><strong>Materials needed:<br /></strong>Jack-o-Lantern Bucket or decorated Trick or Treat Bag<br />Orange construction paper<br />Pumpkin cookie cutter or stencil shape<br />Halloween stickers<br />Pen or markers<br />Scissors<br />Halloween music<br /><br /><strong>Before You Begin:<br /></strong>1. Trace and cut pumpkin shapes out of orange construction paper. Have as many pumpkin shapes as the number of children playing plus a few more.<br />2. On half of the pumpkins place a Halloween sticker on one side of the paper shape and on the other side write the word “Treat.”<br />3. On the other pumpkin shapes write the word “Trick” on one side and a movement or exercise on the other side. Here are some ideas...<br /><em>Do 10 jumping jacks<br />Flap your wings (arms) and fly like a bat<br />On hands and feet scamper like a spider<br />Touch your toes 10 times<br />Float (leap) like a ghost<br />Move like an elephant<br />Jump like a frog 10 times<br />Walk like Frankenstein<br />Hop on one foot 10 times<br />Gallop like a horse<br />Creep (on hands and knees) like a cat<br />Spin around 5 times<br />Slither (on your belly) like a snake<br /><br /></em><strong>Let's Get Started:<br /></strong>1. Have children sit in a circle.<br />2. Show children all the pumpkin shapes before placing them in the “Jack-o-Lantern Bucket” or “Trick or Treat Bag.”<br />3. When the music starts, pass around the bucket/bag.<br />4. When the music stops, the child that is holding the bag removes a pumpkin shape.<br />5. If the pumpkin shape has a sticker on it, it is a “Treat,” and the child does not have to do anything.<br />6. If the pumpkin shape is marked “Trick,” the child must perform the movement or exercise written on the paper (standing in the middle of the circle or moving around the outside of the circle of children).<br />7. The music starts again and the bag/bucket is passed. The game continues until everyone has had a turn.<br /><br /><strong>Furthermore:<br /></strong>1. Let the children help in determining what movements to write on the “Trick” pumpkin shapes. 2. Do not read the “Trick” out loud. Instead, have the children in the circle guess what “Trick” is being performed by the child.Sharron Krullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935869112449401271noreply@blogger.com0