Kindergarten and preschool physical activities to get kids moving and learning.

Young kids naturally move and it is important as teachers to keep them moving inside and outside the classroom. No matter the size of your classroom or strict curriculum guidelines, there are creative ways to bring movement to a kindergarten class as you teach them the basics of mathematics and language.

Some important guidelines when implementing daily physical activity are to make it fun, engaging, and adaptable for all skill levels. As well, incorporate a warm-up, and cool down period for the activity. It is important for the teacher to be enthusiastic and to participate in the activities. Students learn more from modeling behavior than being told what to do.

Sample Daily Physical Activity #1

Warm-up: Walking on the spot

Students begin with a slow walk on the spot, the speed of the walk increases at 10 second levels. As well, as the speed increases, the lift of the leg increases. Students will also begin to move their arms in sync with the movement of their walk. Warm-up will last about 5 minutes.

Alternative: Start with a slow walk and gradual increase to running on the spot.

Activity: Zoo

Teacher calls out a letter or the sound of a letter and students must match an animal with the sound or letter. Students will begin to walk like the animal. No sounds are allowed at this moment. Teacher will call out Zoo and all students must freeze in their walking position for the animal and make the sound of the animal. Teacher will assess if all students choose an animal that corresponded with the sound or letter.

Tip: It is best for the teacher to model a few examples with the class before giving them the freedom to choose their own animal.

Cool-down: Wind Storm

Students will sway in the wind with their arms and legs moving freely. Teacher will start with a high wind and slow down the wind to a breeze. Teacher will model the different types of wind and illustrate the appropriate movement. This cool-down can also teach students the Beaufort Wind Scale.

Sample Daily Physical Activity #2

Warm-up: Where’s North

Teacher labels the walls in the classroom or gym with the four cardinal directions (North, South, West, and East).

Teacher calls out an action such as "jump to the east" and students must jump to the east wall. Teacher calls out a new action such as "march to the west", "swim to the north" and "walk backwards to the west". Teachers may also increase the speed of the action. Students walk quickly to the north or jump slowly to the west.

Activity: Sport Clubs

Teacher calls out a specific sport and students must demonstrate the action for 30 seconds. Teacher calls out "a skater", students skate around or she calls out "boxer" and students move their feet quickly as they throw imaginary punches towards a wall. Teacher continues to call out sports and models an action. During the activity, the teacher will ask students to demonstrate their favourite sport to the class and students will respond to an action.

List of Sports

Cool-down: Fans

Teacher calls out if a team has lost, won or tied a game. Students respond with the below actions.

Losing: Students fall to the ground, and curl in the fetal position.

Winning: Students jump up and down.

Tie: Students walk around in a circle at a regular pace.

Getting preschool and kindergarten students moving just require a little creativity and lots of enthusiasm. Preschoolers love to move, ask them to think of a game and demonstrate it to the class.