[Tierngo Tadege]

Greeting the children that come in, telling stories they had or want to have in the past or future. Doing strechs before any exerise they do.

[Nathali]

when we don’t get to go outside, we play the big dice game…I made a big dice and we have a chart with a workout for each number, example if it lands on 1 we do frog jumps, 2- jumping jacks and so on. found that idea from Pinterest, and the kids love it!

[Cat]

an enviroment

free of hazards

set eith age appropriat toys

no access to chemicals

[Theresa Anderson]

Starting a game with even a few children helps others to see what’s going on, and others join in. We play parachute, bowling with a ball and cones, and race to the gate with 3-4 year old children, but younger and older ones join in.

[Molly]

I think taking breaks for stretching and wiggling when inside is important, so as not to just into the habit of just sitting all the time. Having teacher guided games ( that the kids might adopt and do on their own ) can be good. Games like duck duck goose, red light green light , tag, etc, can be fun ways to exercise. Neighborhood walks are great too if you can.

[Ariel Gross]

I like to direct kids to move through songs like “we are the dinosaurs,” and later have kids direct me through imaginative play. So for part of the day I have them jumping around and for part of it they have me.

[Loan Vo]

Creating a developmentally appropriate, fun, and physically active classroom is crucial for fostering children’s overall development. Here are some tips:

1. Varied Learning Centers:

   • Designate different learning centers that cater to various developmental domains, such as a reading corner, art station, and hands-on exploration area.

2. Active Play Areas:

   • Incorporate dedicated spaces for physical activities, such as a gross motor skills area with climbing structures, balance beams, and open spaces for movement.

3. Age-Appropriate Equipment:

   • Ensure that play equipment is age-appropriate and safe, encouraging children to explore and engage in activities suitable for their developmental stage.

4. Flexible Daily Schedule:

   • Plan a flexible daily schedule that allows for a balance of active play, quiet time, and structured learning activities. Consider children’s attention spans and energy levels.

5. Outdoor Play:

   • Provide ample opportunities for outdoor play to promote physical activity, social interaction, and exposure to nature. Outdoor spaces can include playgrounds, nature walks, and open fields.

6. Incorporate Music and Movement:

   • Integrate music and movement activities into daily routines. Use music to signal transitions and incorporate dance or movement games to enhance coordination.

7. Child-Centered Activities:

   • Plan activities based on children’s interests and preferences. Allow them to take the lead in choosing activities, fostering a sense of autonomy and engagement.

8. Sensory Exploration:

   • Create sensory-rich environments with activities that involve touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound. Sensory play contributes to cognitive and emotional development.

9. Use Props and Imaginative Play:

   • Introduce props and materials that encourage imaginative play. Role-playing and pretend play help develop creativity and social skills.

[Dana]

Do you have any tips for creating a developmentally appropriate, fun, and physically active classroom?

Having age appropiate activities, integrating dance and music, outside play.

[Taylor]

Physically active classrooms can be small rituals such as jumping, stretching, or breathing at the desk while doing class work or taking breaks. But it could also be big rituals like, daily games, scavenger hunts, races and relays, and walks. I enjoy have a Gardens and outdoor spaces to offer physical play in as well as setting up boundaries of where safe physically active activities can be performed.

[Alecxix]

have music time daily, scheduled outside time have activities planned out.

[enshu]

Let the children move while singing rhymes, play fun little games and some times put on some music and invite them to a dance party while being safe.

[Enedina Carmona]

1. Adjust activities to the children’s developmental stage, taking into account their physical capabilities, motor skills, and attention spans. Make sure that playtime is both structured and unstructured. Include a range of mobility exercises, including sprinting, leaping, climbing, crawling, and walking. Include kid-friendly accessories and tools such as balls, hula hoops, balancing beams, and tunnels. Encourage movement with music and dancing by introducing easy dance steps or interactive activities. Try to make time for outdoor play part of the everyday schedule.

[socorro]

Yes, indoors since we arrived in circle time each child sat his/her name and goes around the circle, later on we stretches our bodies with some yoga poses, dance and freeze song, outdoors is much more space for them ran and jump.

[edith]

Greetings at the door and remembering kids names, it makes them feel like you actually know who they are and it’s a form of connecting with the student.

[jennifer]

Create a positive and healthy classroom environment