NHI: Arranging Space and Materials

When you see the words physical development, you may also see other related words such as gross motor and large muscle skills. This is because physical development refers to how children move. Children use muscles to move. Muscles will grow and strengthen when they are used. A child’s legs, arms, and body are his/her large muscles. When children use their large muscles, this is referred to as a gross (large) motor skill. As soon as children are up on their feet, they learn to master gross motor skills by using their large muscles.

Examples of gross motor activities include climbing, running, rolling, catching, throwing, skipping, pushing, pulling, crawling, swinging, etc…

Infants learn to master their gross motor skills as well by using their large muscles to roll, kick, pull up, climb, crawl, swing their arms, reach, etc…

Children who are not given the opportunity to practice gross motor skills may seem to be behind those that are allowed physical play on a daily basis. An example: babies not placed on the floor often enough, may be slower to roll over compared to babies that play on the floor daily.

There are several charts to use for observation and assessment in order to make sure that the children in your care are physically developing. A few are listed below:

The Comprehensive Infant Curriculum :
Observation/Assessment Instrument- page 300
The Comprehensive Infant Curriculum :
Milestones- page 302
The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care :
Physical Growth and Development- pages 14-17

Providing children with physical development activities and outdoor play is the best way to promote large muscle development and help build strong bodies. Physical development activities are also learning activities. You have to plan for them as carefully as you do other learning activities. Many physical development activities such as music and movement, art, and dramatic play can be done outdoors as well as indoors. Physical development activities allow children to learn how things relate to one another in the world that they live in. Example: (In/Out, Up/Down, Near/Far)

Children are constantly moving, especially when they are playing. This is because they are happy when they are moving. Physical activities allow for a healthy release from quiet activities that involve little movement. Physical play encourages children to learn how to say words as they do things. Children learn self-confidence as they master new skills. Some shy and reserved children may become more involved when a physical activity is offered.

Most children prefer being outdoors when they are given the opportunity for physical play. Not only are they able to stretch their muscles, they can breathe fresh air, take in sunshine, and enjoy their freedom of space. You can often make sad situations become happy when you allow for outside play. Being outdoors means more than just “running around” or “letting off steam”. Children have the opportunity to explore nature, demonstrate their ideas and feelings, be creative, and learn about things. They learn what their bodies can do and practice their motor skills. Don’t forget that it is just as important to take infants and toddlers outside as it is older children.

This lesson will provide you with many activities for indoor and outdoor physical play. There are solutions to many of the problems that providers face when allowing for physical play such as creating space, scheduling, equipment/material ideas, safety, etc… Your curriculum books and coordinators are also great resources for ideas!

Activities That Promote Physical Development

The following activities are described as indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor activities should be used once a day during music and movement time. They can also be used for “rainy day” activities. Most of the indoor activities can be used outside and visa versa. Use your judgment and allow for creativity.

The activities have also been divided into infants, toddlers, and pre-K/school age groups. Infant activities allow them to learn and practice developing skills. Toddlers need space to practice new gross motor skills such as crawling, walking, and jumping. Pre-K/school age children need space and time to continue practicing the things they learned as toddler.

Physical Activities To Do Inside or On “Rainy Days”

Toddler

Exer-Saucer- 10-15 minutes depending on interest
Johnny Jumper- 10-15 minutes depending on interest
Bouncy Seats- 10-15 minutes depending on interest
Dump and Load Cart- Store foods in a grocery bag and have the child load and unload the shopping carts
Warm or Cool Water- Place a warm bucket of water on an easy clean up cloth or in a wading pool. Allow child to play in the bucket.
Feet Inside and Out- Place foot prints on the floor and encourage children to walk on the prints.
Tunnel- Give each child an opportunity to scoot, crawl or walk through a tunnel. You can make a tunnel by placing two chairs back to back with space in between and then covering them with a sheet.
Open and Close Box- Give each child the opportunity to open and close large boxes or shoeboxes.
Sock Balls- Roll old socks into balls and encourage children to throw them in a basket.
Ride on/ Scoot Toys- Give children the opportunity to sit on, scoot, or push toys.
Pat-a-Cake Clapping- clap your hands and help the baby clap their hands while singing.
Red Wagon Rides- With your supervision, allow children to pull other children or dolls in wagons.
Bears and Boxes- Hide bears in boxes and encourage children to go to the box and find the bear.
Push Toys- Provide push toys for children to push while sitting or standing.
Phone Book Tearing- With old phone books, show children how to tear the pages out and crumble them into a ball. They can then use the balls to throw.
Dump and Load Laundry- Allow children to dump and load dress up clothes or your clean clothes.
Lazy Susan Merry Go Round- Position a stuffed animal on a lazy susan or turn table and encourage children to spin the animal around.
Suspend Beach Ball- suspend a beach ball from the ceiling so that walking infants can hit it.
Rain Play- on rainy days put water and containers in a tub and encourage children to pour water out to make rain.
Walking Practice- encourage toddlers to practice walking skills by pushing cardboard boxes or laundry baskets around the house.
Rock Climbing- If you have access to carpeted steps, let a child play on them with close supervision.
Tightrope Walker- Children can gain balance by walking on a 2x4 board or landscape timber. You can also tape a line on the floor for them to walk on.
Playhouse in a Pinch- Use a sheet to cover a cardboard table so children will crawl in and out.
Mock Trampoline- Allow children to jump on a bed or couch cushions. It's good for their legs!
Leap Frog- Place carpet squares or the floor or tape green construction paper to the floor and encourage children to jump from pad to pad.
Tap Shoes- Tape a metal washer to children's shoes and encourage children to move their legs and feet.
Bowling Tin Pins- With two liter bottles and a light ball, allow children turns at rolling the ball toward the pins.
Bunny Hop- Scatter plastic eggs around and have children hop around to pick them up.
Pick up the Ball- Roll balls or place them around and have children bend over and pick them up.
Chase the Toy- Tie a long string to a toy and pull it across the floor. Encourage children to chase it.
Beach Ball Push- Provide a beach ball for children to push and roll.
Pull the Train- Tie shoe boxes together using string and encourage children to pull the train.
Boxes- Provide boxes for children to crawl in and out of.
Bubble Chase- Blow bubbles for children to chase around the room.
Obstacle Course- set up this obstacle course for children to complete:

crib mattress to jump on or roll on
large box to climb in
a tunnel to crawl through
large pillows to crawl over
hula hoops to step in
a board to walk across

Jump Off- Place a low, sturdy item on the floor for children to jump off of.
Step or Jump Over the Line- Put a long piece of masking tape on the floor or a jump rope and encourage children to jump over it.
Jump High- suspend a ball over children’s head and encourage them to jump up and hit it.
Toe Touches- Encourage children to bend down and touch their toes or sit and reach for their toes.
Blanket Play- Children can wrap up in a blanket and roll, shake the blanket, or use it as a cape that will move when the run.
Monkey See, Monkey Do- Stand in front of children and have them do as you do. Move your large muscles such as, standing on one foot!
TipToe Time- Show children how to tip toe around the house.
Exercise Together- Have an exercise class with you as the instructor or put an exercise video on. Show children how to do moves such as bending, twisting, etc…
Up, Up, and Away- Place a helium filled balloon on a weighted object in playroom. Encourage children to reach for the balloon.
Rolling Fun- Let children lie down and begin to roll.
Changing Speed and Directions- Play movement games with children in which they have to change their speed or direction. Ex: Walk slowly to the door, walk back fast.
Basketball- Allow children to throw soft balls in a basket.
Feet Pick Up- Show children how to remove their shoes ands socks and pick up stuffed animals using only their feet. They can place them in a bowl.
Walk Through the Ladder- Lay a ladder down and encourage children to walk along the ladder stepping over the rungs.
Hanger Bats/Balloon Balls- Make a bat using a hanger. Pull it into the shape of a diamond and cover with a stocking. Allow children to hit balloons with the bat.
Trees in the Wind- With arms stretched out, have children pretend to be trees bending in the wind.
Red Rover- Place children in a line and stand on the other side of the room. Call “red rover, red rover…Crawl over, twirl over, swim over etc…”.
Move Like Animals- Show pictures of animals and encourage children to move the way they would.
Tumble Time- Encourage children to tumble on an open, soft area.
Big Step/Little Step Walk- Take children on a walk showing them how to walk big and walk little.
Broomstick Horse- Allow children to ride broomsticks around an open area.

Pre K/School Age

Scavenger Hunt- Give children a list of things (use pictures) to find around the house.
Stopwatch Fun- Time children doing activities such as tying shoes, picking up toys, etc…
Musical Chairs- Line chairs up and have them travel around chairs to music. When music stops, have children race to find a seat.
Changing Speed and Directions- Play movement games with children in which they have to change their speed or direction. Ex: Walk slowly to the door, walk back fast.
Boxes- Provide boxes for children to crawl in and out of.
Move Like Animals- Show pictures of animals and encourage children to move the way they would.
Quiet Moving Game- Have children tip toe around.
Walking on a Line- Use masking tape and have children walk on line.
Put Put Golf- Give children a stick and golf ball. Place a cup on the floor and allow children to put the golf ball into a cup.
Bean Bag Toss- Cut a hole in a card board box or place a basket in the center of the room. Allow the children to toss bean bags at the target.
Balancing Acts- Set up a low balance beam using a 2x4 board for the children to walk on.
Red Rover- Place children in a line and stand on the other side of the room. Call “red rover, red rover…Crawl over, twirl over, swim over etc…”.
Plastic Hoop Play- Allow children to use hula hoops to run around, hop over, or crawl through.
Basketball- Allow children to throw soft balls in a basket.
Bunny Hop- Place carpet squares or some other markers on the ground and encourage children to hop from one to the other.
Tents- Make tents using sheets and tables. Allow children to crawl in and under them.
Leapfrog- Have children line up and squat down into balls. Demonstrate how to leap over each other.
Create an Obstacle Course:

Tunnels and tents to crawl through
Masking tape lines to walk on
Hoops to jump through
Boxes to step over
Pillow to roll over

Duck Duck Goose- Children sit in a circle. Choose one child to walk around and gently touch each child’s head saying “duck”. They choose someone to be “goose” and chase them around the circle to see who can reach the empty space the goose left first.
Movement Path- With masking tape, create zig zags, hoops, squares, etc… for children to walk on.
Simon Says- Children do the actions you say such as: “Simon says hop like a frog”, “Simon says squat down”, “Simon says do not clap”
Freeze- Tell children to move in creative ways until you say “freeze”. They must freeze their position when you say “freeze”.
Tumble Time- Allow children to tumble in an open area.
Backward Time- Have a very short time when everyone moves about backwards.
Standing Broad Jump- Line children up and challenge them to jump as far as they can.
Bowling Tin Pins- With two liter bottles and a light ball, allow children turns at rolling the ball toward the pins.
The High Jump- Using a broom stick, challenge children to jump over it.
Walking on Stilts/or in Heels- Challenge children to walk on stilts (made from rope and sand buckets) or in you high heel shoes.
Catching Balls- Throw balls of different sizes to children for them to catch. Do This, Then Do That- Play a game where you give a sequence of two movements.
Exercise Together- Have an exercise class with you as the instructor or put an exercise video on. Show children how to do moves such as bending, twisting, etc…
Limbo- Encourage children to go under a broomstick or rope. Lower the stick or rope after each child goes under to see how low they can go.
Twister- Play the game twister with children.
Ring the Bell- Place a service bell on the floor and have children toss beanbags at the bell to make it ring.
Back to Back Lift- Encourage children to stand back to back and lift objects with each other’s backs.
Snow Balls- On a snowy day, have children toss cotton balls in a bowl.
Feet Pick Up- Show children how to remove their shoes ands socks and pick up stuffed animals using only their feet. They can place them in a bowl.
Maze- Make a maze using yarn, sheets, boxes, or furniture for the children to go through.
Hats on Head- Give children several hats to stack on their heads. Encourage them to walk and balance the hats.
Ice Skating- Allow children to slide in their socks on a smooth surface.
Hot Potato- Place children in a circle. Use a small ball and tell children that it is hot. Turn around and allow the “potato” to be passed. When you say stop, the child with the potato takes your place.
Hanger Bats/Balloon Balls- Make a bat using a hanger. Pull it into the shape of a diamond and cover with a stocking. Allow children to play a game hitting balloons across a line with a partner.
Pom-Pom Paddle Ball- Using hanger bats/paddles and a small ball of yarn, have children hit the ball back and forth with one another.
Jump the Brook- Using two jump ropes or broomsticks, place them on the floor side by side. Gradually increase the distance between them as children jump over.
Ping Pong Balls and Cans- Children can bounce balls back and forth to one another and catch them in their cans.
Ring Around the Rosey- Play music and have the children run, skip, walk around freely. When the song stops, the children bend and touch the ground.
Balloon Relay- Have children place a balloon between their knees and hop toward a chair and around it, then back.
Shoe Mix Up- Hide children’s shoes around in various places. Children have to locate their shoes and put them on.
Row Your Boat- Children sit opposite of one another with their legs stretched out in front of them. They hold hands and rock back and forth to row the boat.
Parachute Play- In a large area, stretch out a parachute and encourage the group to raise chute up and down and go in and out.

Physical Activities To Do Outside

Infants

Games are not appropriate for infants. They need stimulation, and going outside can offer an abundance of sights, textures, and sounds. Taking infants out for a short period of time to do the things that they love to do indoors can be considered an activity.

Walking Baby- Take babies for rides in strollers around the neighborhood or down the street.
Exer-Saucer- 10-15 minutes depending on interest
Johnny Jumper- 10-15 minutes depending on interest
Bouncy Seat Bare Foot- Place a baby with their shoes and socks off and position them in the grass for 10-15 minutes depending on interest.
View from a Blanket- Spread a blanket in the grass and move the baby’s large muscles as you talk with him/her.
Play Gym- Bring a play gym outside. Put the play gym and the baby on a blanket in the shade.
Storybooks Outside- Bring storybooks out to read with the infants on a blanket in the shade.
Nuzzle Nature- Touch baby’s feet and arms with leaves or grass to encourage movement.

Toddlers

Feeling the Earth- Dig hands and feet into the dirt.
Bunny Hop- Scatter eggs or candy around in the grass and have children hop around picking them up.
Sack Hop- Have children put both legs in a pillowcase and hop around or have a race.
Potato Walk- Child holds a potato between his/her knees as they walk from one point to another.
Curvy Roads- set up an obstacle course using boxes, baskets, or cones for children to ride their tricycles around.
Ring the Bell- Hang a bell from a tree branch. Children can throw balls or bean bags at the bell to make it ring.
Baseball Fun- Hang a ball from a tree branch at the height of a child’s shoulder. Give the child a plastic bat and encourage them to swing at the ball.
Foot or Painting or Making Shoe Prints- Tape a large piece of paper to the ground. Put globs of paint on the paper near the child’s feet and tell them to start stomping.
Texture Walk- Take walkers on a walk in the grass with their shoes off.
Outside Dramatic Play- Try allowing the child to pretend to be gardeners, firefighters, or campers outside.
Outside Water- Have wading pools set up with cool or warm water for the children to play in.
Spray Bottles- Allow children to play with squirt bottles by encouraging them to spray the trees, grass, or sidewalk.
Box Time- Let children experiment with large boxes outside.
Open/Close Door- Show children how to open and close doors when going outside.
Washing Trucks- Place plastic trucks in tubs of water with spray bottles, wash cloths, and brushes. Encourage children to wash the trucks.
Bird/Butterfly Wings- Create wings using scarves or paper. Attach the wings to children’s backs or arms. Encourage children to fly with their wings.
Scoot Toys- Give children the opportunity to ride on or push scoot toys.
Bags Outside- Provide children with bags to fill with objects.
Wagons- Let children give rides or use the wagons to fill with blocks and pull.
Watering Can For Gas- Use a watering can for putting pretend gas in riding toys.
Stroll With Toddlers- Take toddlers on a walk using a stroller or wagon.
Carrot Top or Leaf Painting- Place a large sheet of paper on the sidewalk and allow children to use things from nature to paint with.
Window Cleaning- Provide sponges and water so children can wash windows.
Painting With Water- Give children a paintbrush and some water and allow them to paint the fence or what ever else.
Floating Fish- Give children fish and tubs of water and let them explore the deep sea.
Tire Play- Wash old tires and lay them in the yard. Allow children to climb in, through, and over the tires.
Kick the Ball- Put a large, soft ball out for children to kick. You can roll it to them, or they can kick it in a goal.
Balance Board- Using a 2x4, let children practice balancing skills by walking on it.
Bubble Chase- Blow bubbles for children to chase.
Jump Off the Board- Lay a flat board in the grass and encourage children to jump off of it.
Slide- Set up a short, very low slide for toddlers to use.
Walking Up or Down a Slope- Make a ramp using boards and blocks. Nail the boards to the blocks. Encourage children to walk up and down the ramp.
First Jump Rope- Tie a rope one inch off the ground in between two trees. Encourage children to jump over the rope.
Sand Play- Provide a covered sand box and shovels for the children to play in.
Running Games- Play running games with toddlers such as running from one tree to another, chase the teacher, run around the play yard, etc…
Jump on Leaves- In the fall, encourage children to jump on and off leaves.
Kick and Throw- Provide balls of different sizes for the children to kick and throw.
Rolling Fun- If you have a hill close by, show children how to lay down and roll in the grass.
Pounding Bench- Provide children with a small hammer and piece of wood. Demonstrate and supervise how to hammer the wood.
Tricycles- Have some big wheels or tricycles for children to ride on.
Jungle Gym- Make sure your toddlers have low jungle gyms or climbers.
Trees in the Wind- Pretend to be trees on different types of windy days. Ex: tornado, fall day, etc…
Jump Over Cracks- Encourage children to jump over cracks in the sidewalk or driveway.
Catch a Bounced Ball- Gently bounce a ball toward the child to see if he/she can catch it with two hands.
Red Rover- Have children stand on one side of the yard. Call them over by saying “Red Rover, Red Rover everybody run over, jump over, roll over, etc…
Basketball Fun- Place a basket in the yard and encourage children to throw balls in it.
Swings- Push children in low, safe swings.
Jumping on Stepping Stones- Place stepping stones throughout the yard for children to jump on.

Pre K/School Age -

Become a Bird- Encourage children to peck, fly, stride, etc… like a bird.
First-Then- Give children a bouncing ball. Demonstrate a sequence that you want the child to repeat. Ex: Throw it in the air and catch it.
Piñata- Tie a piñata from a tree and let the children hit it with a bat for candy.
Balls- Encourage children to throw, catch, kick and bounce balls.
Trike Track- Make a riding area for children to ride bikes on.
Red Rover- Have children stand on one side of the yard. Call them over
by saying “Red Rover, Red Rover everybody run over, jump over, roll over, etc…
Basketball Fun- Place a basket ball hoop in the yard and encourage children to throw balls in it.
Swings- Encourage children to pump their legs in order to swing themselves.
Hurdles to Jump Over- Place low hurdles throughout the play area for children to jump over.
Balance Board- Using a 2x4, allow children to walk on it to practice their balance.
Standing Like Flamingos- Show children what a flamingo is and encourage them to imitate it. Flap wings, lift leg, etc…
Jumping on Stepping Stones- Place stepping stones throughout the yard for children to jump on.
Playground Equipment- slides, climbers, see saws, etc…
Bouncing Balls Against the Walls- Choose walls with no windows for children to bounce balls against. Encourage them to catch each bounce.
Running Broad Jump- Encourage children to run and jump as far as they can. Mark off the farthest jumpers.
Baseball- Set up a baseball tee with light baseballs and bats. Demonstrate how to hit the ball and run.
Bouncing Ball Circle- Have children stand in a circle and bounce the ball to one another. Say this chant: Bounce, Bounce, Bounce all Day. Bounce and bounce and pass this way.
Basketball Dribble- Show the children how to bounce or dribble a ball while walking down a path. Walking With Stilts- Using paint cans and rope, encourage children to walk on stilts in the grass.
Relay Races- Show children how to run a relay by demonstrating the procedure of running forward and returning before the next person can go.
Jumping Rope- Provide jump ropes for children to practice their jumping skills.
Scavenger Hunt- Give children a picture list of things to find around the yard.
Bow Tag- Have children play tag using gift bows. As they tag a player, they place the bow on them.
Hanger Bats/Balloon Balls- Make a bat using a hanger. Pull it into the shape of a diamond and cover with a stocking. Allow children to play a game hitting balloons across a line with a partner.
Hopscotch- Draw a court with chalk. Use a stone or bean bag to toss in each square.
Parachute Play- Using a parachute and balls, encourage the children to toss the balls, run in and out of the chute, or wave the chute up and down.
March and Dance With Ants- When you see a trail of ants, show children how they can march like ants too.
Turtle Tuck- Encourage children to imitate turtles by crawling around with a bag over their backs. They can also try tucking in their legs and arms like turtles do.
Me and My Shadow- Have children dance around and spot their shadow. They can play a game of follow the leader with their shadow. Encourage them to see how strong they can make their shadow look. They can also try jumping on their shadow.

Play Centers

When children play, they are learning. Just as you would set up learning centers inside, you should also consider the outdoors as a place for play centers. Some play centers that are appropriate for the outdoors are listed below:

ART	MUSIC & MOVEMENT
GAMES	DRAMATIC PLAY
WATER & SAND	SCIENCE & NATURE
LIBRARY	CLIMBING
GARDEN	RIDING
SWINGING	RUNNING & EXPLORING

Whole Group Outdoor Activities

These activities are great to do when you want to involve a multi-age group. They are also good projects to use with thematic units

Swimming at a local pool
Neighborhood walks
Walk to the local grocery store
Mud Play
Snow Play
Water/Puddle Play
Walk to the Post Office or Mailbox
Outdoor Picnics

Songs and Finger Plays That Promote Physical Development

Finger Plays

Monkey Business
Monkey business is my game
Jumping, jumping is my fame
How many times can I jump?
1,2 3,4 5,6 7,8 9,10

Ten Red Apples
Ten red apples grow on a tree (both hands high)
Five for you and five for me (dangle one hand and then the other)
Let us shake the tree just so (shake body)
And ten red apples will fall below (hands fall)
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 (count each finger)

Wiggle, Waggle
My arms go up (raise arms in the air)
My arms go down (lower arms to side of body)
My arms go round and round and round (roll arms)
My fingers go snap (raise arms up and snap fingers)
My toes go tap (lean back on heels and tap toes)
My body goes wiggle waggle (shake whole body)
Just like that! (stamp foot and punch in front of you)

Jack Be Nimble

Use child’s name in this chant! Place an item on the floor that children can jump over.

Bob be nimble, Bob be quick
Bob jump over the candlestick.

Songs

Hokey – Pokey
You put your arm, leg, head, whole self, etc… in
You put your arm, leg, head, whole self, etc… out
You put your arm, leg, head, whole self, etc… in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about!

This can also be used with animal names.

Ex: We put the cat in, etc….

Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes (As you sing point to body parts)
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes;
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes;
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose;
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes!

Hair, elbow, hips and thighs, hips and thighs;
Hair, elbow, hips and thighs, hips and thighs;
Brows and cheeks and tongue and chin
Hair, elbow, hips and thighs, hips and thighs!

Mister Sun

Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun (hands in air)
Please shine down on me. (point to yourself)
Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun (hands in air)
Hiding behind a tree. (duck down)
These little children are asking you, (point to children)
To please come out so we can play with you. (hands in air)
Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun (hands in air)
Please shine down on me. (Point to yourself)

Shake My Sillies Out
I’m gonna shake, shake, shake my sillies out, (shake body)
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, (shake body)
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, (shake body)
And wiggle my waggles away!

Continue….

I’m gonna jump my jiggles out!
I’m gonna stretch my stretchies out!

Happy and You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

Continue….

Stomp your feet!
Shout Hurray!

Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle went to town a-riding on a pony
(march in place while singing)
Stuck a feather in his hat and called it “macaroni”

(extend arms out and draw back while singing)

Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy
(run in place)
Mind the music and the step and with the girls be handy.

(continue to run in place)

Books That Promote Physical Development

These books are provided to you by the Nurturing Homes Initiative

Infant and Toddler Books:
All About Baby
I Can by Helen Oxenbury
Happy Birthday by Debbie Bailey

Pre K/School Age Books:
Jamaica Tag-Along by Juanita Havill
What’s What by Mary Serfozo
Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch
Dance Away by George Shannon

Creating Indoor Space for Physical Development

When you begin to set up an indoor physical play area, create a large, open area with lots of floor space and mirrors. The area should remain uncluttered, yet there should be materials and equipment that support and encourage the use of gross motor skills. Keep in mind, that outdoor activities can also be done indoors if the space remains uncrowded.

When your focus is primarily on infants and toddlers, create a clean, safe place for them to practice new skills such as crawling, scooting, rolling, and walking. Make sure that tripping hazards and sharp edges are removed from the area. Babies need to be placed on blankets or padded material. You can also make room for their bouncy seats and play gyms in this area. If you cannot sit with the babies, be sure to place them side by side so that they are not alone.

Creating Outdoor Space for Physical Development

The outdoors is an extension of your indoor classroom/home. You should give just as much thought and careful planning to outdoor experiences and setting. Regardless of size and shape, an outside area can become a learning setting.

A large, open grassy area with natural landscape is the ideal setting for outdoor space in order to encourage the use of large muscles. Some blacktop or concrete is also important for using riding toys and bouncing balls. The area should be large enough to accommodate all of the children in your care and the equipment. You should have an unobstructed view of the children at all times. This may require walking around while you are outside with the children. You should also make sure that the children are aware of their boundaries (fences are best for defining boundaries). Finally, make sure that a bathroom and water are close by in case of emergencies.

Whether your outdoor setting is spacious or limited, you can provide children with meaningful outdoor activities. You can encourage children to do indoor activities and outdoor activities by setting up “Activity Areas” outside. Consider the variety of experiences you want to offer.

Examples of Various Activity Areas:

Playhouse for Dramatic Play	Riding Area
Digging and Pouring Area (Sand & Water)	Garden Area
Quiet Play Area/Infant Area	Pet Area
Swings, Climbers, and Slides	Wood Working Area

Children should have a clear idea of where activities are located. You do this by arranging pathways for traveling to various areas. Post signs that label the area for children to see. Remember to keep a balance between active and quiet play and sun and shade.

Babies need lots of shade. Remember to lay them on a quilt or place them in a bouncy seat/Excer-saucer.

If you cannot make space for outdoor play, there are other options to allowing children the time they need outdoors. Nearby public playgrounds or farms, neighborhood ponds and streams, garages set up with activity centers, and local parks are all great resources. If there still isn’t enough to do, take your children outside to do some of your indoor activities or to play group games.

Scheduling Physical Development Activities

Scheduling some type of physical development activity is important and vital for the growth of large muscles. Children should be given the opportunity to practice their gross motor skills throughout the day, on a daily basis. There should be a balance between quiet and active playtime in your daily schedule. You should change you physical development activities weekly to promote new challenges. A balance between outdoor and indoor playtimes should also be included. This includes infants as well. A great rule of thumb when planning an infant’s schedule is to rotate their day with sleeping, eating, then playing. Once they tire, repeat the schedule again. During their playtime, don’t forget to take them outside for part of the day. Children should get 1-3 hours of outdoor play throughout the day, preferably in the morning and late afternoon.

Sample Daily Schedule

7:30 - 8:30	Arrival/Quiet Activities
8:30 - 9:00	Breakfast/Clean-Up
9:00 - 9:15	Morning Meeting: Discussion Time/Finger Plays/Songs
9:15 - 10:30	Activity Time
10:30 - 10:45	Clean-up
10:45 - 11:00	Snack
11:00 - 11:15	Circle Time: Music & Movement/Story/Lesson
11:15 - 11:50	Outdoor Play
11:50 - 12:00	Prepare for Lunch
12:00 - 12:30	Lunch/Clean-Up
12:30 - 12:45	Storytime
12:45 - 1:45	Nap/Rest Time
1:45 - 2:15	Quiet Work Time: Drawing, Table Toys, Books
2:15 - 2:30	Clean-Up
2:30 - 3:00	Story/Music & Movement
3:00 - 3:15	Snack/Outdoor Preparation
3:15 - 4:15	Outdoor Play
4:15 - 5:15	Activity Time
5:15 - 6:00	Clean-Up/Small Group Quiet Time

Another sample schedule can be found on page 31 in your Creative Curriculum or Family Childcare book.

Schedules can be changed to accommodate weather. On days when weather is bad, have rainy day activities available to use instead of outdoor play. Allow for a short break outside when weather clears to run around for a few minutes. Cut back on outdoor play on windy or chilly days and remember to allow time for children to put on coats and accessories and take them off. On nice days, such as the first spring, extend outdoor playtime. Plan to take inside activities outdoors. Be spontaneous, and allow for some changes throughout your day.

Equipment and Materials That Promote Physical Development

The following is a list of various equipment and materials to use when encouraging the use of large muscles. These items should be rotated out to provide new and challenging experiences for the children. Always check your equipment/materials to see that they are in good repair. The materials should be age appropriate for all children in your care. There should be a balance of equipment/materials indoors and outdoors. If you do not have access to an abundance of materials, place what you have in tubs/bins so that they can be carried in and out. There should, however, be enough equipment in your care in order to avoid fighting and arguing among the children. When stocking your outdoor space, keep in mind that all children can enjoy the most basic equipment.

Equipment/Materials for INFANTS
Outdoor blanket	Padded quilt
Soft mat	Table Cloth
Shower curtain	Johnny jumper
Bouncy seat	Excer-saucer
Strollers	Crib
Play gym	Back pack carrier
Hammock	Mobiles
Infant roll for propping infants up	Kick Start
Equipment for TODDLERS AND PRE-K/SCHOOL AGE
Push/pull toys	Padded pull up stool/steady object
Tunnel	Bean bags
Balls	Tumble mat
Climbers	Slide
Cushions	Large cardboard boxes
Bikes	Tricycles
Wagons	Scooters
Doll carriages	Large crates
Swings	Boxes/large blocks for building
Sandbox	Tools for digging/pouring
Books for quiet time	Pets
Garden tools and gardens	Wood working tools
Ramps	Balance beams/log structures
Sliding poles	Bars
Trucks for pushing	Chalk
Paint/easels	Jump ropes
Hula hoops	Crayon/pencils/paper
Tables	Magnifying glass
Binoculars	Cartons for collecting
Radio	Scarves
Streamers	Balloons
Soft paddles	Bats
Parachute	Sticks
Paint brushes	Paint cans
Action hats	Trampoline
Hammock

Thrifty Home Made Equipment

Play Gym: wrapping paper tube, contact paper, stickers or markers, 3 metal canning rings, hole punch, jingle bells, string/ribbon Decorate tube. Put canning rings on tube. Punch holes in tube to secure string and bells. Attach to crib using string.

Infant Hammock: Towel and two adults
Two adults can swing a baby in a small hammock made with a towel.

Activity Board: toys, rattle, books, pegboard, elastic strips, rope
Attach toys, rattles, and books using elastic. Use rope to attach the pegboard to something.

Bucket and Blocks: Large, empty margarine tub, contact paper, empty drink boxes, clear packing tape
Cover margarine tub with contact paper for bucket.
Cut drink boxes in half and clean. Tape them back together one inside the other and cover with contact paper.

Kid-Size Car: drill, plastic laundry soap bottle with cap, 2 wooden dowels, 4 wooden wheels that fit on dowels, glue
Drill holes through bottle (Handle on top/Cap as nose of car). Insert dowel rods and attach wheels using glue. Glue cap on securely.

Push/Pull Toy: wrapping paper tube, contact paper, hole punch, 3 aluminum cans, sturdy string
Cover tube with contact paper. Punch 3 holes at the bottom of the tube. Thread string through the eye of the can opener and then through the tube. Secure cans loosely.

Doll Carriage: Large laundry box, 1 foot or rope, 2dowel rods, 4 baby bottle rings and 4 bottle nipples, hot glue
Cut the lid off the box. Tie rope to one end of box. Pierce holes in the box towards the bottom. Insert the dowel rods. Cap off the ends with bottle rings, nipple, and hot glue.

Tire Swing: old tire, drill, jigsaw, soap and water, brush, 3 pieces of sturdy rope for hanging, 2 large eye hooks, big tree branch, maybe a ladder
Clean the tire with a brush, soap, and water. Drill 3 holes in the tire and screw in eyehooks. Thread rope through eyehooks and secure all three together with a knot. Hang from tree.

Storage Solutions for Physical Development Equipment/Materials

Storing physical development equipment can become a challenge. Storage sheds and garages are ideal for storing large equipment. When you have indoor items that you want to make available for outdoor use, store them in large plastic tubs, milk carton crates, or laundry baskets so that they can be easily transported in and out. A cardboard box near the door can also be a storage solution. When you a have a variety of smaller materials to store, a good solution would be to put them in a plastic tub. For very small items such as digging and pouring toys, plastic bags hung near the door work well. You can also hang tools on a pegboard found at your local hardware store.

If you’re planning on having activity centers set up outside, organize these items in activity boxes so that you can easily grab the items you need on the way out the door or pull the boxes out when using them indoors. This way, all of the materials are kept together, and you do not have to go looking for them. On days when you need a “rainy day” activity, you can easily open a box and allow children some gross motor playtime. Some ideas for activity boxes are:

Ball Box	Sand Box
Water Box	Trucks and Cars Box
Bubble Box	Paint/Art Box

Indoor and Outdoor Safety for Promoting Physical Development

Indoor Safety Concerns

Teach indoor safety rules
Clean, safe area for floor explorers
Cleaning materials stored away and locked
Furniture has no sharp edges/corners or padded edges/corners
Sharp objects out of reach
Lead free paint on walls
Garage door has auto reverse mode
Cords out of reach or covered
Floors clean, dry- no slippery rugs
No poisonous plants (poinsettias)
Matches and lighters out of reach
Electrical outlets covered

Outdoor Safety Concerns

Teach outdoor safety rules
Adult with children at all times/supervising
Children dressed properly-hats, coats, jackets, shoes (Keep extra mittens and hats in case of an emergency)
Keep children active on cold days
Fence if needed
Protection from traffic (vehicles and tricycles)
Cover drainage areas, wires, and hazardous equipment
Area is free of debris
Impact Absorption Surface: mulch, sand, pea gravel, shredded tire, etc…
Metal equipment in shaded area
Metal equipment covered in freezing weather
Avoid dangerous weather: lightning, intense heat or cold, weather watch alert, etc…
No poisonous plants: oleanders, elephant ears, lilies of the valley, etc…
Equipment in good repair
Animals kept separate from children
No animal waste
Equipment anchored firmly
Lawn mower and dangerous tools out of reach
Don’t allow children to walk in front of swings
Don’t allow children to crowd ladder
Don’t allow children to walk up slides
Spray for harmful bugs
Cut weeds
Cover sand boxes
Avoid letting children play outside in the middle of a hot day
Use sunscreen when needed
Fasten swing safety belts
Use playpen for infants and toddlers if you can’t sit with them at all times
When walking with traffic, have children hold hands or the stroller

Indoor and Outdoor Safety Concerns

These safety concerns apply to indoor and outdoor play!

Play zones are designated
Uncluttered space
Intervention when children have conflicts
Enough space for children and equipment
Unobstructed view at all times
Age appropriate materials and equipment (Matches child’s size and skill)
Reminder of rules
No damage to Equipment: cracks, splinters, sharp edges, pinch points, open hooks, etc…
No tripping hazards
Push/Pull toys weighed down if too light
Toys are safety tested by manufacturer

Sources

Albrecht, Kay; Miller, Linda G., The Comprehensive Infant Curriculum. Gryphon House, Inc., 2000.

Blose, Dee A.; Smith, Laura L., The Thrifty Nifty Stuff for Little Kids. Proed International Publishing, 1995.

Cassidy, Nancy. The Book of Kid Songs. Klutz, 1986.

Cryer, Debbie; Harms, Thelma; Ray, Adele Richardson, The Active Learning Series. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., 1996

Docents of Nursery Nature Walks. Trails, Tails, & Tidepools in Pails. Nursery Nature Walks, 1992.

Dodge, Diane T.; Cloker, Laura J., The Creative Curriculum for Early Childhood. Teaching Strategies, Inc., 2001.

Dodge, Diane T.; Cloker, Laura J., The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care. Teaching Strategies, Inc., 2001.

Feldman, Jean. Transition Time. Gryphon House, Inc., 1995.

Murphy, Sharon. The Mailbox Superbook: Grade 1. The Education Center, Inc., 1998.

Schiller, Pam; Phipps, Pat; The Complete Daily Curriculum For Early Childhood. Gryphon House, Inc., 2002.

Stassevitch, Verna; Stemmler, Patricia; Shotwell, Rita; Ready To Use Activities for Before and After School Programs. The Center for Applied Research in Education, Inc., 1989.

Technical Assistance for the Coordinator

Objective: Improving Physical Development within Family Child Care.

Set: Ask the provider the following questions:

What are your large muscles?
What do you know about gross motor skills?
How do children develop strong muscles?
How often should children go outside?
Is it necessary to take infants outside?
What can you do with children if weather does not allow for you to go out? Does this activity encourage children to use their large muscles?

Materials: Information Packet on Physical Development

Lesson:

Read and review information on Physical Development with the provider.
Help the provider create a schedule for including outdoor play.
Help the provider create a space for practicing gross motor skills.
Have the provider gather materials around the house that promote the use of large muscles. Help the provider design an easy storage solution for their materials.
If needed, answer questions for more information on physical development.

Closure: Ask the provider the following questions in order to determine their knowledge of physical development:

What did you learn about physical development?
What are your large muscles?
What do you know about gross motor skills?
How do children develop strong muscles?
How often should children go outside?
Is it necessary to take infants outside?
What can you do with children if weather does not allow for you to go out? Does this activity encourage children to use their large muscles?

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