My kids are naturally active and I like to encourage them. Like most kids, they are always running about and jumping (great when we’re in a field or on the beach, not so great when we’re trying to do our weekly food shop in Tesco or other good supermarkets!).
I think it’s important that they learn how to do these skills properly. The kids love jumping from heights and I like to know that they know how to jump and land safely (although my stomach still flops as I watch them jump!).
Sport Wales want to help all kids become physically literate and be able to grasp the basic physical skills such as balance and co-ordination, in a fun and enjoyable environment that will make them more likely to remain active in later life.
During the holidays we have been using the Sport Wales Play to Learn section of the website to improve our physical skills.
We started off with Story Time. We read the online stories and used these to help us learn our new skills. For example, in Book 1, Megan and the Baby Dragon, Megan teaches the Dragon to always land with his knees bent so he doesn’t hurt himself. My kids are always more likely to remember something if it relates to a story.
I then used the Parent Cards to help teach the kids to jump skilfully. We went out into the field. First of all we practised how to jump. I had to remind them to work on a straight body shape in their jump and to use their arms to help them.
After a practice, we played a game of “Four Little Speckled Frogs”. This song is too young for the older kids, but they joined in as they knew it would be fun for Izzy. They all jumped “into the pool” (the hoop) on their turn.
We then did something that the older kids enjoyed- made up obstacle courses. My sisters and I used to love doing this when we were younger and my kids love it too.
They each had a chance to make up an obstacle course, which everyone, including me got to take part in. The criteria for each course was: it had to include at least one jump, it had to be fun and it had to work.
We all had fun, jumping onto “lily pads”, jumping over dice and jumping into the hoop.
They also like making up games, such as “Pirates” where the land is sea and the markers are islands. They have to jump from island to island (I used to love doing this in my bedroom at home. I can remember jumping from my bed onto my “turtle pouffe”!).
Then the kids had free play which mainly involved a kick about because the most important thing is it has to be fun.
Sport Wales are also helping kids to work on their underarm throws (handy for when we next play beach cricket!), underarm rolls (great for beach boules), balancing and water skills. There are more activities each week.
The National Trust are also encouraging people of all ages to get active with their “let the outdoors move you” campaign. Take a look to see which of their places near you are offering activities for you and your family to take part in. Stackpole, which is close to me, are offering cycling, nordic walking and running sessions.
Read this post by Sport Wales Manager, Julie Rotchell, to find out how you can win prizes by taking part in this initiative with your own child/children.
How do you keep active with your children?
I wish I could get my boys to do this! My youngest is very active, unfortunately it's all indoors (he really hates going out). My other 2 have grown out of doing stuff like this, although they are both quite active in their own ways. Some great links in there, for ideas too x
Yes, it's different once they get older isn't it? x
I hope they slept well after all that! Sounds like you had great fun. My little one is non-stop but a bit young for this yet.Alana x
Haha! No, if I ever try to wear them out, it only succeeds in wearing me out. Their energy never ends lol x
What a fanatic idea. Will have to check this out when evas a bit older. I bet they were shattered x
Thanks, no they were full of beans as always lol x
This looks fun. I particularly like the 5th November t-shirt! Not sure where you photographed this but it looks a beautiful spot.
Thanks. He loves "Anonymous"- even has a mask! x
This is brilliant, never thought of having to 'teach' some of these, but already see these skills will be a must when G is older! Xx
Thanks, it all comes naturally really and then a few pointers here and there to make sure they're doing it safely x
What a great campaign! My eldest boy is always flinging himself off things and leaping around like a loony, so he could probably do with learning how to do it properly 🙂
This is such a great idea, a great way to keep the kids active and it actually looks like fun!
Wow such great ideas to keep kids active! We go for lots of walks but I'm sure we could do more.
This is such a good idea – we are not active enough I am afraid to say.Great post, thank you. Kaz x