Children will do exercises with their parents by choosing number and movement cards out of a pile.
Learning Area(s): Math; Physical Development
MATERIALS
Download and print picture cards (available through the Download Resources link)
- numbers 1-10
- picture of each exercise: jump, hop, run, push-up, squat, twirl, jumping jacks, toe touch
- or use markers and index cards to make your decks of cards (write the name of one exercise on each card to make the first stack; write one number on each card to make the second stack so that it has the numbers 1-10)
LET'S PLAY
Prepare two sets of cards before playing this game with your child. Print and cut out the number cards, mix them up, and turn the stack of cards face down. Then print and cut out the exercise cards, turn this stack of cards face down, and place it next to the first stack. If you wish, you can create your own exercise cards using exercises that feel good and are popular with your family. Now you are ready to play!
Talk to your child about the importance of keeping our bodies moving and active. Good exercise helps build strong muscles and bones. It’s important for everyone to exercise several times a week. Tell your child that today you are going to play a game called Family Fitness! You are going to have two stacks of cards. One stack will have the numbers 1-10 in mixed up order. The other stack will have names of exercises on them.
Let each member of the family have a turn taking one card from the number stack and one card from the exercise stack. Allow your child to identify the number. If they don’t know the number, help them or have an older sibling help them. Then read the number and the exercise cards to find out how many and what exercise to do. For example, if you get the number “4” card and the jumping jacks card, then everyone in the family needs to do four jumping jacks! Play at least three or four rounds.
TIPS
- You can make this game harder or easier depending on your child’s attention span, counting skills, or ability to recognize numbers. For example, if your child can identify her numbers up to 10, then have your cards go up to 20.
- If there are exercises on the list that feel too difficult, adapt the exercises or use your own.
- This is an activity for families to exercise together, not just children. Children tend to exercise more when they see that it is important to those around them. By exercising together in a playful and fun way, you are helping to develop healthy patterns in childhood that can last for the rest of their lives.
- Once you get familiar with the game, see how fast you can choose the cards and do the exercises.
- Since your child won’t be able to read the exercise card words, you may want to add drawings, clip art, or photos to the cards to represent each type of movement.
- Drink lots of water and eat a healthy snack after exercising to continue the conversation on healthy living.
AGE GROUP(S):
- 24-36 months
- 3 years old
- 4 years old
- 5 years old
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES
Family Fitness cardsACTIVIDAD DE LENGUAJE DUAL