[Catherine Tolentino]

Greeting children when picking them up after school, by rewarding positive behaviors through maybe something like a good behaviors chart and rewarding them with stickers or little prizes, especially if they are in the younger age brackets, and telling them about the types of games I used to play growing up, (Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, Quack-Dilly-Oso).

[Trainer]

Great suggestions, Catherine! Incorporating games and positive reinforcement fosters a fun, engaging, and active classroom environment.

[Lauryn Lopez]

Use physical activity as a transition. For example, have children crab walk to the reading rug or hop like frogs to the bathroom.

[Trainer]

Great idea, Lauryn! Incorporating movement during transitions is a fun way to keep children engaged and active!

[Hannah Gillatt]

we sometimes do stretches, yoga and breathing exercises, especially if the class needs to calm down before circle time. When we can’t go outside, we play kid-appropriate music and we have dance parties, sometimes with disco lights and colored scarves to make it more fun

[Trainer]

Great ideas, Hannah! Incorporating movement and calming activities fosters a positive environment and enhances engagement. Keep it up!

[Jessica encinas]

Yes finding sing along songs that make it fun for them to individually get a minute to express themselves to the class , and also helping us all as a whole have a better partnership so they feel more comfortable to interact in class activities.

[Trainer]

Great suggestion, Jessica! Sing-along songs foster self-expression and community, enhancing both engagement and comfort in the classroom.

[Brittany]

Morning songs with names in them are a great physical activity for children! Also songs like “hop little bunnies” are favorites among the little ones.

[Whitney Riojas]

We like to have music playing during alot of activities so the children can enjoy, as well as encourage them to dance with the music. We like to make sure the children all get time to play any games or activities they want to do. We also make sure to always greeting each child as they come in.

[Jwalitha Kommineni]

Include short movement breaks between activities music, action songs, and finger plays Transition with movement (hop to the door, tiptoe to circle time) Schedule both structured and unstructured active play daily Obstacle courses using cones, pillows, or hoops movement games (crawl like a bear, hop like a frog) Ball play: rolling, tossing, kicking Dance and rhythm activities

[kidane Beyene]

<b data-start=”154″ data-end=”188″>🌱 Developmentally Appropriate <ul data-start=”189″ data-end=”583″> <strong data-start=”191″ data-end=”214″>Know your learners: Plan activities that match children’s ages, abilities, and interests. Offer choices and different levels of challenge. <strong data-start=”336″ data-end=”358″>Hands-on learning: Use real objects, sensory materials, and play-based experiences rather than long periods of seatwork. <strong data-start=”463″ data-end=”488″>Predictable routines: Consistent schedules help children feel safe while still allowing flexibility for exploration. <b data-start=”585″ data-end=”606″>🎉 Fun & Engaging <ul data-start=”607″ data-end=”950″> <strong data-start=”609″ data-end=”632″>Learn through play: Turn lessons into games, songs, stories, and dramatic play. <strong data-start=”695″ data-end=”727″>Follow children’s interests: If students are excited about animals, vehicles, or weather, build activities around those themes. <strong data-start=”829″ data-end=”854″>Celebrate creativity: Encourage art, music, movement, and open-ended projects where there’s no single “right” answer. <b data-start=”952″ data-end=”979″>🤸‍♀️ Physically Active <ul data-start=”980″ data-end=”1407″> <strong data-start=”982″ data-end=”1002″>Movement breaks: Include short movement activities between lessons (stretching, dancing, action songs). <strong data-start=”1092″ data-end=”1112″>Active learning: Practice math with hopping, letter recognition with movement games, or storytelling with acting. <strong data-start=”1212″ data-end=”1231″>Flexible space: Arrange furniture so children can safely move, build, crawl, and explore. <strong data-start=”1308″ data-end=”1325″>Outdoor play: Use outdoor time daily when possible for gross motor development and social play. <b data-start=”1409″ data-end=”1438″>❤️ Supportive Environment <ul data-start=”1439″ data-end=”1741″> <strong data-start=”1441″ data-end=”1463″>Positive guidance: Focus on encouragement, modeling, and redirection rather than punishment. <strong data-start=”1540″ data-end=”1564″>Inclusive practices: Adapt activities so all children can participate and feel successful. <strong data-start=”1637″ data-end=”1662″>Strong relationship: Warm, responsive interactions help children feel confident and ready to learn. <hr data-start=”1743″ data-end=”1746″>💬 <strong data-start=”1751″ data-end=”1797″>Discussion Prompt for the Community Forum:<br data-start=”1797″ data-end=”1800″> What strategies or activities have you found most effective for keeping children active and engaged while still supporting their developmental needs? Share an idea that works well in your classroom!

[Trainer]

Great insights, Kidane! Your emphasis on hands-on learning and movement breaks truly fosters a dynamic and engaging classroom environment.

[marjorie sanchez]

1. **Zonas de Aprendizaje**: Crea áreas temáticas para fomentar la exploración y el movimiento.2. **Actividades Físicas**: Integra ejercicios simples en las rutinas diarias.3. **Muebles Flexibles**: Usa muebles que se puedan reorganizar fácilmente.4. **Materiales Sensoriales**: Proporciona materiales que estimulen los sentidos.5. **Juegos de Grupo**: Promueve la cooperación con actividades en equipo.6. **Rutinas Balanceadas**: Alterna entre actividades tranquilas y activas.7. **Decoración Atractiva**: Usa colores vivos para un ambiente estimulante.8. **Espacios al Aire Libre**: Aprovecha áreas externas para actividades físicas.Este enfoque ayuda a diseñar un aula divertida, activa y adecuada para el desarrollo de los niños.

[Trainer]

Great tips, Marjorie! Your ideas for thematic areas and flexible furniture will definitely enhance active learning in the classroom.

[Brandi Krediet]

greeting the children each morning at the door, encouraging children to participate in games, and make fun and inviting activities for the children to engage with.

[Trainer]

Great suggestions, Brandi! Greeting each child fosters connection, and inviting activities promote engagement and physical activity. Keep it up!

[Hope Blom]

Incorporating movement into daily routines, active transitions, and activities that build fundamental motor skills.

[Trainer]

Great suggestions, Hope! Movement in routines and active transitions truly enhances engagement and supports skill development in young learners.

[Wanda Wade]

To create a developmentally appropriate, fun, and physically active classroom, incorporate a variety of movement activities that match children’s ages and abilities, use music and games to make exercise enjoyable, provide plenty of space for safe play, and include both structured and unstructured physical activities throughout the day. Rotate activities to keep things fresh and encourage participation from all children.

[Eliana]

The best tips I have are from observation of classrooms throughout the years – the most effective classrooms that provided all the listed things were classrooms that had things such as flexible seating for older elementary, lots of engaging toys like grocery store/nurse/house in younger childcare, and posters that promoted lots of different educational ideas.

[Cayleigh]

To achieve a developmentally suitable and engaging, lively environment in the classroom, activities such as climbing, dancing, and setting up an obstacle course can be included. Structured games and unstructured “Free Choice” activities should also be provided. The area should remain safe and sound with distinct sections and child-specific apparatus. Learning activities should be performed in an active manner by incorporating physical activities with activities involving letters, numbers, and counting games. Everyday physical activities should be planned and participated in to demonstrate safe playing practices.

[Trainer]

Great suggestions, Cayleigh! Incorporating physical activities into learning makes it engaging and beneficial for development.

[Mita]

Creating a developmentally appropriate and physically active classroom starts with intentional design and adult involvement. Offering open space for movement, age-appropriate equipment, and simple props like balls, scarves, or music encourages children to be active in natural ways. Limiting screen time and building movement into daily routines – such as transition games, action songs, and stretch breaks – helps keep children engaged throughout the day.Adults play an important role by modeling enthusiasm for movement, joining children in play, and encouraging participation without pressure. Providing both structured activities (like guided games) and unstructured free play allows children to explore movement at their own comfort level while building confidence and social skills.Keeping activities fun, flexible, and inclusive – while following consistent routines – helps children feel safe, motivated, and excited to move. When physical activity is part of the everyday classroom culture, children are more likely to enjoy it and benefit from it.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Mita! Your emphasis on intentional design and adult involvement is key to fostering an active, engaging classroom environment.