# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Inspired Treehouse - Growing healthy bodies and minds through play!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Inspired Treehouse features child development information from pediatric therapists as well as gross motor, fine motor, and sensory activities designed to promote development through play.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pink Oatmeal provides you with ideas and resources to easily implement movement breaks, kids yoga, gross motor, and fine motor with the kids you work with!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YourTherapySource Home - Your Therapy Source

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your Therapy Source is your online resource for special education, pediatric occupational and physical therapy publications.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Starfall Education: Kids Games, Movies, Books & Music for K-5 and above

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Starfall, children have fun while they learn - specializing in reading, phonics & math - educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for children K-5 and above.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ReadWorks | Award-Winning, EdTech Nonprofit Organization

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ReadWorks is an edtech nonprofit organization that is committed to helping to solve America’s reading comprehension crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ABCya! • ABCya! • Learning Games and Apps for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Educational games for grades PreK through 6 that will keep kids engaged and having fun. Topics include math, reading, typing, just-for-fun logic games… and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This website offers easy interactive spelling practice for kids in early elementary years (grades 1, 2, 3 and 4). Just type, listen and learn English - learning spelling can be as simple as that!

In this page you set up which words to test students on. The next page - after you hit the "Online Spelling Test" button - lets the kids tackle the spelling test and check their performance.

This free spelling website acts like an online computer program, in which you can create your own spelling lists, and have word games with your own words.
All the games and the other educational interactive activities on this website are totally free!

The Word's Pronunciation

You can also use this website to learn how to pronounce English words. Each word is pronounced slowly and clearly, stressing and emphasizing each syllable and consonant. This makes it great for ESL students and special education students as well, helping to discover new English words and their correct pronunciation.

The Spelling Games & Activities

Online Spelling Test

This is a simple test in which you hear the words of your list in random order, and type them inside the text boxes. Do your best to spell them correctly. At the end, you can press the "Check" button to see how well you have done. If you made a mistake, you can click a mistaken word to see its correct form. You can also ask to repeat the test with only the mistaken words.

Practice Your Words

This online practice will guide you step by step until you know how to write each word correctly just by hearing it. It consists of three phases: in the first phase, the letters to type are highlighted on the keyboard. in the second phase the word will still be presented, and you will copy it. In the third phase, you will type it from solely hearing it.

Reading With Spaceships & Reading With Balloons

These are two similar games, one in is more action themed, and the other is calmer. They practice reading the words and matching them to the words you hear. It's an easy reading activity, best for kids in 1st grade and 2nd grade.

Spelling Sharks

This is an action online spelling game. When you type correctly the words you hear, you can eliminate the sharks that are threatening the goldfish. The typing is under time pressure, yet you can press the "clue" button to have the word flashed on the screen. This activity can be challenging, and is more suitable for kids in 3rd grade and 4th grade.

Hangman

This is a classic hangman game, using your own words. It's unique because you can actually hear the hidden words.

Word Search Puzzle

Immediately create a challenging online word search puzzle from your own list of words. After every word you find, you will hear it pronounced. The puzzles are dynamically created, and can sometimes be challenging even for kids in 5th grade and 6th grade.

The Spelling Lists

The lists are arranged in stages that coordinate to the children's development through spelling patterns, also called features.

The beginning lists for first graders allow the kids to approach the words one sound at a time (i.e. initial consonants), to then building more of a sight word vocabulary (i.e. word families).

Moving on from there, learners in second grade are able to chunk parts of words and process them more fluently when they read (i.e. consonant blends).

Third graders continue the fluency of reading while they explore the meanings of words (i.e. silent consonants), while fourth graders can handle more complex spelling patterns (i.e. double consonant with e-drop).

Of course, a student may overlap in stages, for instance, a second grader may still need some work on a few "first grade" features, or may dabble in some third grade features. They are merely an average "snapshot" for students in elementary school.

In addition to the lists for each grade level, there are many "themed" lists for students of all ages to enjoy (themes such as September, Halloween, Winter, Earth Day, Science Day etc.)

Spelling and studying words ultimately promotes a greater interest in reading and writing. When a child has word understanding and vocabulary knowledge, all aspects of Language Arts are enhanced.

Instructions

Which English words would you like to study? Type them into the empty spaces above. Once you do, you can click on the "Listen" button to hear how the word you typed is pronounced.

Sometimes there is more than one way to pronounce a word - for example, "read" sounds different in the past: "I read this book yesterday" to the way it sounds in the future: "I will read this book tomorrow". In this case you can hit the "Alternate" button to switch between the different pronunciations and choose the right one.

You can also choose from the word lists we've prepared already in the drop-down menu.

When you have finished adding words, choose an activity from one of the green buttons.
The spelling list will appear for the students. They should read it carefully and, when ready, start the activity.

When finished, the students will have the option to restart the activity or to exit to the main menu. In most cases, they will also get the option to repeat the activity with only the words they had trouble with.

Happy learning!

Comments & Feedback

Do you have a word you would like to add to those already recorded?
Teachers and parents are welcome to send their word requests to my email at [email protected] and I'll be happy to work on it. You can also contact me with questions, comments and suggestions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Online Spelling Training & Games for Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fun interactive spelling games for kids in early elementary years (grades 1, 2, 3 and 4). Type, listen and learn English - preparing to your spelling test can be as simple as that! A free online website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn to Type | Type Better | Type Faster - Typing.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
World's most popular free typing program! Typing.com's K-12 typing curriculum features touch typing, digital citizenship, coding lessons, and games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help children learn with our free, award-winning reading, mathematics and phonics games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Practice addition, multiplication, fractions and algebraic reasoning with our popular math games. Discover fun learning games kids love to play.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
IXL | Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IXL is the world's most popular subscription-based learning site for K-12. Used by over 10,000,000 students, IXL provides personalized learning in more than 8,000 topics, covering math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. Interactive questions, awards, and certificates keep kids motivated as they master skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A required part of this site couldn’t load. This may be due to a browser extension, network issues, or browser settings. Please check your connection, disable any ad blockers, or try using a different browser.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's simple to get started!

Simply send an email to sarah@mobymax.com, with the following information for each teacher that you would like to include in the school or district pilot:

Teacher full name

Teacher email address

School name

That's it! We'll do all the work to get your teachers started with MobyMax.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 888-793-8331.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MobyMax Math finds and fixes missing math skills that are essential for math comprehension. Students working at least 20 hours in Moby Math show a 1.4 grade level increase on average. Moby Math is a comprehensive math curriculum for kindergarten to 8th grade.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are your learners having trouble with CVCE words? Try these free clip cards for extra reading practice!

If you have learners that have trouble distinguishing between CVC and CVCe words, this printable is for you.

What are CVC and CVCE words?

CVC words are consonant-short vowel-consonant.

Examples: cat, box, rod, wig

CVCe words are consonant-vowel-consonant-silent e.

Examples: rake, tube, like, poke

How to use the printable

1. Print and laminate the pages.

2. Cut apart the cards.

3. On the back of each card, draw a small dot on the back of the correct answer using permanent marker.

4. Give your learners clipping clothespins.

5. Have your learners read each word and clip the corresponding picture. They can turn the card over to check their answer.

( Tip: If you don't have clipping clothespins, use these as "pinch" cards. Learners can simply pinch the correct answer before they flip to check their answer.)

While you could skip it, I definitely recommend using a marker to dot the answer on the back.

That way the cards are self-checking.

In the above example, my preschooler read the word quickly without reading to the end. She read "pop."

She pinched the answer and turned the card over ... only to see that she had pinched the wrong picture.

I asked her to turn the card over and read the word again ... this time, noticing the final letter.

Now she had it!

I made the cards tricky on purpose. In the above example, learners who don't remember to make the vowel long will likely pinch the picture of "cut."

But when they flip the card to check their answer, they'll realize they need to try again.

Learners will also have to remember how to distinguish b/d ... or they'll likely pinch the picture of "rob." ( Check this post for free b/d posters that will help.)

I hope you can use these clip/pinch cards!

More free resources

© 2019, Anna G. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free clip cards for CVC & CVCE words - The Measured Mom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Are your learners having trouble with CVCE words? Try these free clip cards for extra reading practice! If you have learners that have trouble distinguishing between CVC and CVCe words, this printable is for you.

# data[].attributes.body
Free resources for academics and language

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources | Lakeshore® Learning Materials

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Resources | Lakeshore® Learning Materials

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If there's one thing that is for certain, it's that occupational therapists love to see carryover. We love to encourage functioning and independence with personal goals across environments. It's through occupational therapy home programs that we encourage families, parents, and teachers to get involved with a child's goals so they can accomplish skills at home, in the classroom, and community.

I wanted to put together some activities that OTs can add to home programs that build skills. Use these as part of OT recommendations in occupational therapy teletherapy sessions, or in home programming as a result of changes in our current public health situations. Whatever your situation is, here are some activity recommendations that promote movement, learning through play, and help to keep the kids off screens.

Occupational therapy home programs for movement

So...many of us are dealing with the uncertainties of coronavirus and the possibility to be sent home from wor. School based OTs who are contracted into a school district may even be out of work if and when school students are sent home to learn from home. They may see the need to send home activity plans with children who will be stuck indoors. Other therapists are working within the available technology systems that are in place and can work with children remotely or via teletherapy. In each of these cases, there is a need for therapist-recommended activities that require items that are probably in the homes of most parents.

Use these activities to encourage play and movement. Encourage playing together as families. These activities have therapeutic benefits, but they are also great for family time, too.

Home Occupational therapy suggestions

These monthly movement activities use a lot of items found around the home.

Here are fine motor and coordination activities using a simple deck of playing cards.

Here are movement, dexterity, and strengthening activities using craft pom poms (or cotton balls work really well, too.)

Here are activities with paper clips to encourage coordination, visual motor skills, perception, and dexterity.

Here are sensory diet activities for the backyard.

Here are 31 ways to learn through movement and play. These strategies are perfect for learning at home or homeschooling.

Playdough is a powerful tool that can be added to home therapy programs! Here is a giant list of activities using play dough.

To encourage gross motor movement, core strengthening, and heavy work for sensory needs, try these indoor recess activities. They work at home, too!

Looking for home programming and OT home activities? These resources are full of ideas:
Visual Motor Activities Executive Functioning Activities Handwriting Activities Calming Heavy Work Activities
"Push In" Therapy at Home- Combine OT interventions with learning at home using these movement-based, goal oriented activities that can be incorporated into learning, math, reading, etc.

OT at Home...Play Games!

A lot of times, families have board games in the home that they haven't played with in a while. Family time games like the ones in the posts below can build essential skills that might be addressed in therapy, too. Use time spent at home to play games and work on therapy goals at the same time. Here are some game suggestions:

These Games to Improve strategy and planning are fun to play and better for the brain!

Here are more games to improve executive functioning skills.

Games that improve pencil grasp build fine motor skills, but don't seem like "work". Do you have any of these fine motor games in your game closet?

Visual Tracking Games are fun ways to work on an essential visual processing skill...visual tracking! This skill is needed for visual attention, reading, writing, and so much more.

Raid the game closet and use some items you have around the house to Build Math Skills with Games.

In fact, there is a lot of learning that happens with board games. Here is how you can learn with games you already own.

These are games and toys that build skills in reluctant writers.

Build wrist stability for improved precision and strength in the hands with these games and toys to improve wrist stability.

Looking for more ways to keep the kids busy at home while working on developing skills? Run a search through the search bar above!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Occupational Therapy Home Programs - The OT Toolbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If there's one thing that is for certain, it's that occupational therapists love to see carryover. We love to encourage functioning and independence with personal goals across environments. It's through occupational therapy home programs that we encourage families, parents, and teachers to get involved with a child's goals so they can accomplish skills at home, in the classroom, and community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Therapy Street for Kids | Occupational Therapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A resource for parents who are looking for occupational therapy activities that can be done at home and with household materials. Skill areas include fine motor, visual motor, crossing midline, self help skills, sensory processing and handwriting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are so excited you are here! Our mission is to provide valuable tools to therapists, educators and parents to help with the most important job there is ... helping children grow!

Online Resources for Pediatric Therapists, Educators and Parents

An innovative place to find resources to promote a child's growth in academic, social, emotional, communication, and functional skills.

Unlimited Yearly Online Membership

With an annual membership you will have immediate access to thousands of resources! New resources are added regularly.

Highly Effective & Minimal Prep!

Evidence based resources for use in therapy treatment, assessment and collaborating with others.
We have done all the planning and prep for you. Just print and go!

Excellent Tools for Tight Spaces & Budgets

Comprehensive resources that target the diverse needs and goals of each child. Regardless of your treatment setting, we have what you need! For a modest investment, you will have immediate access to thousands of resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tools To Grow, Inc. | Pediatric Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy printable handouts resources activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pediatric Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy printable resources, activities, worksheets, and educational material for therapists, educators, special needs teachers, and parents/caregivers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. View Terms and Conditions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Inspired Treehouse offers free resources, inspiring activity ideas, and creative strategies for therapists, teachers, and parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Be Active Kids is an award winning, signature program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. This innovative, interactive health program for children ages birth to five is available to adults working in child care centers, child care homes, and schools across North Carolina.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Working in pediatrics can be a lot of fun. What makes it fun is the fact that you get to "play" while working on important motor skills. Today I'm going to share some of my favorite pediatric core strengthening exercises that are so much fun that your kiddo may not even realize how hard they are working on strengthening their core!

Creative Pediatric Core Strengthening Ideas

In the following pediatric core strengthening exercises a peanut ball (affiliate link), beanie babies, balls, and bean bags are used. You may be able to look around your home and find different items that you could substitute in lieu of these. The following ideas are just some of the exercise ideas from Pink Oatmeal. Be sure to see so many more gross motor activities for kids!

PLUS Pink Oatmeal has core strength cards and printables for kids available for you in the shop that you can get right now. This set of cards and printables is custom designed with exercises that are hard to find in printable format anywhere. Check them out now!
Stability Ball Beanie Baby Rides
One of my favorite ways to work on core strengthening is with beanie baby elevator rides. Simply sit on a peanut ball or unstable surface and give your beanie baby a ride into the bucket. This requires core strength to lift the foot off the ground while maintaining stability on the peanut ball. Make it easier by pushing the peanut ball up against the wall for added stability.
Sticker Stability Ball Game
Another fun way to work on core strength is with stickers. The stability ball with stickers game is a blast! This game focuses on core strength and fine motor skills to peel the stickers. Your kids will have so much fun with this game!
Prone Over Ball Work
Work on fine motor skills in this pediatric core strengthening exercise. Use a tongs or spoon. Pick any manipulative you would like and have fun!
Core Strength Ball Rolls
Using your feet to roll a ball up the wall is a fun and easy way to strengthen cores in the pediatric setting. Use a piece of tape on the wall as a visual goal as to how far the ball should go.
Peanut Ball Chops
Peanut ball chops are fun and not only are they great for the core, but it is a great whole body exercise. It also works on midline crossing which is great for anyone in the pediatric setting.
Controlled Lowers
Find a friend and have them help you with this fun exercise. Pick any type of object you would like to try lower down into the basket.
Stability Ball Trunk Rotation
Add rotation to your exercise. This would be a great one to have a mirror in front of the kiddo as a visual when doing this exercise.

More Favorite Core Strengthening Activities

Yoga -We love using different themed yoga cards for kids! Themes make it so much for fun! Get free yoga in the freebie library.

Free Play - Allowing for lots o f active free play, especially outdoors where kids can work on activities like climbing, jumping, running and navigating outdoor terrain and hills. These are awesome ways for kids to develop core strength

If you liked these ideas, be sure to check out Pink Oatmeal's favorite ball activities for kids and balance exercises for kids ideas!

Get Your Core Strengthening For Kids Cards

Pink Oatmeal has you covered when it comes to core strengthening! In the shop you can find custom designed core strengthening cards and printables that you can use today! These exercises were custom made as it is hard to find printable exercises with core strength and midline crossing combined almost anywhere! Get these cards and printables today and start using them immediately!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pediatric Core Strengthening - Creative Ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Working in pediatrics can be a lot of fun. What makes it fun is the fact that you get to "play" while working on important motor skills. Today I'm going to share some of my favorite pediatric core strengthening exercises that are so much fun that your kiddo may not even realize how hard they are working on strengthening their core!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Core strengthening for kids continues to be one of the top search terms people use to find their way to The Inspired Treehouse. Here are some of our favorite everyday core strengthening ideas.

As pediatric therapists, we are all about core strength! We have written about why core strengthening is so important for kids, we've featured great toys and games that promote core strength, and we've even showed off some super creative homemade ways to strengthen the core.

But what if we told you that there are also lots of easy ways to strengthen the core through simple play at home? We're talking about all of the fun stuff your kids might already be doing that really target those core muscles and make them strong. But first, let's get a refresher about why strong tummy, back, and pelvic muscles are so crucial.

Core strengthening is essential for the progression of other developmental skills and is the center of control for everything else the body does. In order to keep your balance, perform coordinated movements on both sides of the body, sit up straight in a chair, control a pencil or scissors, or jump, you need a strong core!

So let's explore some of the ways that your child can build core strength every single day through play!

Core Strengthening Through Everyday Play

Picking up objects from the floor.

Do you know that you can't squat down to retrieve an object from the floor without engaging your core muscles? Yep, it's true. Whether kids are competing in a relay race where they have to retrieve an object from the ground and return it to a container...or just cleaning up toys in the living room, they're strengthening their core!

Climbing up a slide or climbing on other playground equipment.

I know, I know...not everyone likes this one because of safety, but hear me out. Climbing up the slide rocks for so many areas of motor and sensory development, including helping to form a strong middle! Check out some more of our other playground rule-breaking ideas here!

Rolling down a hill.

Or - for an extra core challenge - try rolling UP the hill! Any rolling at all is just plain old kid fun and great for core strengthening.

Lifting something heavy.

Kids can help bring groceries in from the car or take out the garbage - or make it even more fun - can they use a sheet to make a swing with two friends (two to hold the ends and one friend in the middle)?

Pushing and pulling activities.

Pushing a chair out of the way to sweep after dinner, pulling a heavy laundry basket across the room to move it out of the way, pushing a sibling or friend (or stuffed animal!) in a stroller or pulling them in a wagon.

Being on all fours.

Give your child a section of the floor to scrub squeaky clean! They will love the responsibility and they will get a hefty dose of core work. Playing in an all fours position also works - try doing a puzzle or playing a board game in this position.

Climbing the stairs on all fours.

My kids love to race up the stairs this way - little do they know that they're also getting a great core workout!

Family game night

Climbing trees

Sweeping or mopping floors, raking leaves, or shoveling snow

Check out these chores for kids for some other great ideas to keep your child helping around the house while strengthening their core!

Most kids develop adequate core strength simply by being kids and engaging in play activities like the ones listed above. Unfortunately, due to busy schedules, an increase in screen time, and a variety of other reasons, we're seeing less and less of this kind of play in kids today. And we're seeing more and more kids in therapy who need intervention targeted at building the core muscles.
The Core Strengthening Handbook is an awesome resource full of more than 50 activities to help kids develop strong core muscles. Get your copy now!
The following two tabs change content below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Core Strengthening Through Everyday Play - The Inspired Treehouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Core strengthening for kids continues to be one of the top search terms people use to find their way to The Inspired Treehouse. Here are some of our favorite everyday core strengthening ideas. As pediatric therapists, we are all about core strength!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
These simple core strengthening ideas use a simple prop that almost everyone has on hand!

When you think of kids and their favorite toys, what is the most universal one that comes to mind? A ball, of course!

Balls can be used indoors or out, they can be dribbled, bounced, tossed, kicked or caught, and they can be large or small. One thing is for sure, kids love balls! And, guess what? So do pediatric physical and occupational therapists!

Why? Because they are the perfect props for promoting a of developmental skills for kids.

One of the most important aspects of child development that we talk about at The Inspired Treehouse is core strengthening. A child with a strong core is a child who thrives.

He can maintain postural endurance in the classroom. She can jump, hop, skip, twirl, and run with ease. He can cross midline and can hold and maintain an appropriate grasp on a pencil.

And when it comes to building core strength with kids, a simple playground ball is a great place to start!

Building Core Strength With a Playground Ball

Here are some of our favorite core strengthening exercises to do with a playground ball. Best part? Kids think they are SO fun!

1 || Wall Ball

Cut out shapes or letters and place them all over a vertical surface such as a wall or door. Position the child an arm's length away from the wall.

Place a playground ball on the wall and have the child place her hands on the ball to maintain its position.

Then, call out shapes or letters and have the child roll the ball to touch each one as it is called. The child must use their core muscles to stabilize the rest of their body so that nothing moves but her arms to roll the ball.

2 || Ball Pass Sit-Ups

Have the child lie on her back on the floor with the ball between her knees and her hands overhead.

Encourage her to press her belly button down to the floor to activate her core muscles and then slowly bring arms and legs toward each other so that she can grab the ball from between her knees and take it overhead.

Repeat this movement to bring the ball back to hold it between the knees. Try for a set of 10! Ask her to count her repetitions so that you know she is breathing.

3 || Partner Pass Sit-Ups

This game is for two or more players. Have kids lie on their backs on the floor. One child's toes should be touching the other's. Give one child a ball.

Repeat the movements of ball pass sit-ups, but this time, instead of placing the ball between her knees when she sits up, the child will throw the ball to her friend!

See how many passes the set of partners can make before someone drops the ball! Encourage him to call out the name of the friend he is passing to for breath control.

4 || Hands & Knees Roll Outs

Encourage a child to get in the quadruped position (on all fours). Place a ball under her right hand. Place colored spots, pieces of tape, or objects just out of reach on the floor in front of her at various positions.

Have her roll the ball forward with her hand to touch each of the objects without moving out of the quadruped position. This requires stabilization of the core muscles to maintain balance when one extremity is moving.

Try this with each hand and each foot. Next, try with two balls. One ball under the right hand and one under the left foot. Can she roll the balls at the same time - forward and back, diagonal and back.

5 || Tall Knee Catch

Position the child in tall kneeling. Position yourself in a tall kneel position about 10' away, directly across from him.

Toss the ball to him at his midline a few times so that he gets the hang of playing catch. Then, start challenging his core strength and stability by throwing the ball slightly away from midline. Throw it high, low, to the left and right. How many can he get before he drops one? This activity is also great with a weighted ball for an older child who needs a bigger challenge.

6 || Ball Squeeze

Position the child in standing, with legs about hip width apart. Give her a ball and ask her to squeeze it as hard as she can with both hands held at chest height. As she is squeezing, ask her to count to 10 out loud. This simple activity results in some major core activation!

The following two tabs change content below.

Lauren Drobnjak is co-author of The Inspired Treehouse blog and a pediatric physical therapist who currently practices in the educational environment. She has been a physical therapist for 18 years, with 17 of those years specifically in pediatrics. Her drive to make a difference in the lives of kids has led her entrepreneurial spirit in the direction of creating opportunities for play-based wellness and child development. She is a busy mama of 3 who thrives on chaos. To come down from the stress, Lauren enjoys exercising like she's still 20, yoga, chocolate, a great book, browsing Pinterest, and anything crafty!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Simple Core Strengthening With a Playground Ball - The Inspired Treehouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These simple core strengthening ideas use a simple prop that almost everyone has on hand! When you think of kids and their favorite toys, what is the most universal one that comes to mind? A ball, of course! Balls can be used indoors or out, they can be dribbled, bounced, tossed, kicked or caught, and they can be large or small.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I love coming up with creative ways to work on balance exercises for kids. Balance exercises don't always require standing on one foot. There are several different creative ways that you can work on balance exercise for kids. Today, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite ways to work on balance!

Balance Exercises For Kids

There are a variety of different activities that can be done to work on balance. Below are some of my favorites, but I share a ton more exercise and balance ideas for kids in my video library for Pink Oatmeal members. The all access membership is pretty darn amazing. Also be sure to check out so many more gross motor activities for kids!

Not every balance exercise requires standing on one leg. Balance exercises can start off simple with challenging a kid to move outside of their base of support. This means reaching outside of where they "feel comfortable" with their balance.

Challenging balance can also be done by placing one leg on a step stool and one leg on the ground. The higher the stool, the greater the balance challenge.

To make this activity a little more challenging instead of a step stool add a ball under one leg. Move the ball in all different directions to add to the balance with a ball challenge.

When you are ready to work on balance exercises for kids with taking a foot off the ground, make a game of it. The bean bag balance game is a fantastic way to start working on single leg balance and so much fun!

Another fun way to work on balance exercises without the kids even realizing it is by playing the balance with blocks game. The higher you build the blocks up the greater the balance challenge!

Single Leg Balance Exercises For Kids

Once you are ready for single leg balance exercises there is so much that you can do. Single leg standing is the basis of most exercises and components can be added from there.

Single leg standing reaching outside of the base of support is one fun way to work on this gross motor skill. To make this balance exercise more challenging don't allow the foot to touch the ground in between taps of the toe.

Single leg stance reaching out of the base of support is another great and challenging way to work on balance skills for kids. Vary the distance of the target (cones in this case) to vary the challenge of this balance exercise.

Exercise Spots

Another fun way to work on balance is by using exercise spots. You can get these FREE colored exercise spots in the freebie library to try out using them for balance practice. Along with knee taps try toe taps!

Other Ideas For Balance Exercises For Kids

Make an obstacle course that requires heel to toe walking. I personally like to theme this depending on the time of year or theme.

Play Catch With A Ball - This can be done with both feet challenging the kiddo your working with by throwing the ball slightly outside of their base of support. This activity can also be done in single leg stance.

Natural Outdoor Obstacles - Walking logs, rock paths, and more are a great way to challenge balance without needing to set up anything formal or fancy.

Balance Beams - Traditional balance beams are another way for kids to work on balance exercises. This can be done as a stand alone activity or as part of an obstacle course. Work on heel to toe walking both forward and backward as well as side stepping.

Unstable Surfaces - This can be done by adding a pillow, cushion, deflated ball or air disc to stand on. This can be done with both feet on the object or in single leg standing.

If you liked these ideas, be sure to check out Pink Oatmeal's favorite ball activities for kids and pediatric core strengthening ideas!
What are your favorite creative ways to work on balance exercises for kids?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I love coming up with creative ways to work on balance exercises for kids. Balance exercises don't always require standing on one foot. There are several different creative ways that you can work on balance exercise for kids. Today, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite ways to work on balance!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Child Development: The Best Balance Activities for Kids - The Inspired Treehouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Balance is a significant component of child development. Here are some of our favorite balance activities for kids - perfect for keeping little ones engaged and challenged!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you heard the term crossing the midline? What exactly does this mean? Imagine a line down the center of your body. Crossing midline means that you can reach across the middle of your body (the imaginary line) to perform a task with your arms or legs. This is a skills that starts to become established between 3-4. Sometimes kids still need help working on this skill. Today is all about crossing the midline exercises and activities for kids!

Crossing The Midline Exercises and Activities

The following videos are all about different ways to work on crossing midline! Also be sure to check out even more crossing the midline activities with a summer theme and why OT's love crossing the midline for more ideas!

Quadruped Cross Crawls

In this exercise you are not only working on crossing midline, but you also have a great core workout going on!

Half Kneel Chops

The half kneel chops are a great way to work on core strength, balance, and midline crossing all in one exercise!

Prone Rainbows

These are such a fun way to work on upper extremity strength and midline crossing. Make this activity even better by creating a double rainbow. This can be done outside with chalk or on a large piece of paper indoors.

Quadruped Shoulder Taps

This activity is harder than it looks. Try it for yourself! Not only is it a great exercise for crossing the mildline, but it's also a great way to work on core strength and upper extremity strengthening.

Peanut Ball Partner Crossing

This is a fun partner activity that can be done with a friend or an adult. Sitting on the peanut ball helps stabilize the hips and work on core strength. This can be done with bean bags, beanie babies, balls, or really anything that can easily be handed off and manipulated.

Get Core and Crossing The Midline Exercises

Want even more activities that include crossing the midline? Pink Oatmeal has a custom set of core strengthening exercise cards for kids. This set of exercises includes several activities that include crossing the midline along with core strengthening. Save yourself time and effort and get these today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have you heard the term crossing the midline? What exactly does this mean? Imagine a line down the center of your body. Crossing midline means that you can reach across the middle of your body (the imaginary line) to perform a task with your arms or legs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Building upper body strength in kids can be made fun with several different exercises! Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite exercises that work on upper body strength and weight bearing for kids!

Upper Body Exercises For Kids

The following activities all focus on fun upper body exercises that your kids will love.

There are a few pieces of equipment used in the following videos. I've left my affiliate links below to the different pieces of equipment.
Peanut Ball Stability Ball
Dot Stickers - you may also be able to find these at a dollar store.
Scooter Board
Exercise Ideas - Sticker Dots

I love how easy the dot sticker exercises are as they can be done in such a small space. Dot stickers don't take up much storage space and can easily be transported making these exercises even better.

Color Dot Exercises

The next set of exercises are all performed with color spots. You can get these for FREE in the freebie library.

Peanut Ball Upper Body Exercise

These exercises can all be done using a peanut ball!

Ball Exercises

The next set of exercise are done using a ball. Most can be done with a ball of all sizes whether it be a soccer ball, playground ball, basketball etc.

More Exercises

The scooter board roll out is not only great for the upper body, but is also great for core strengthening.

The monster walk exercise is made especially fun when shoes are added to the hands as well as the feet!

Tell me all about your favorite upper body strengthening exercises!

Get Your Set Of Upper Extremity Strengthening Exercises

Get a set of upper extremity strengthening cards and printables that are perfect to use when working with kids. This set from Pink Oatmeal is perfect for a wide variety of age ranges! Get these now and feel confident you have great exercises that you and your kids will LOVE!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Building upper body strength in kids can be made fun with several different exercises! Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite exercises that work on upper body strength and weight bearing for kids! The following activities all focus on fun upper body exercises that your kids will love.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
March is here and full of great options for gross motor planning. With St. Patrick's Day, the basketball tournaments, spring etc. it makes it easy for March gross motor planning. Check out all of the different ideas for March gross motor planning.

March Motor Planning - Ocean

Start off the month with an ocean theme. At this point in the year we are all hoping for a little warmer weather, at least where I'm from. You can read in detail about ocean themed gross motor and fine motor ideas in this post.

Start this week off by incorporating ocean themed yoga! This is fun and easy movements that anyone can do these fun movements!

I also love to incorporate easy ocean moves that are pretty open to how the kids want to interpret them. It's fun to see the different ways they come up with to move their bodies!

How about some fishing this week? Check out this fun idea for fishing. Yes, those are candy canes, but using pipe cleaners would probably work well too if you don't have candy canes on hand.

This is the perfect time to use the Ocean Themed Fine Motor Activities Pack! Your kids will love working on fine motor skills with an ocean theme!

See even more ocean themed gross motor planning ideas.

March Motor Planning - Basketball

It's tournament time! Almost every place you turn there is some mention of basketball. If you are a basketball fan or have any basketball fans this is the theme for you. Read in detail about all of the awesome basketball themed gross motor and fine motor activities here.

Need a fast and easy go to with no equipment necessary? Check out these basketball brain break ideas and move your body like a basketball player!

Agility is a big part of basketball. This is a great time to stop by the Pink Oatmeal freebie library and get free agility cards or footprints to use with your agility ladders.

Along with agility drills, Tabata drills are perfect for basketball players.

Adding sports themed yoga is perfect for this week!

Traditional Basketball Games - Play some of the traditional games such as P-I-G or H-O-R-S-E. You could even try a free throw shooting contest (or something much closer).

TIP: Do you have old trophies, ribbons, or medals laying around your home? If so this may be a good time to make them useful again and give them out as awards for working hard on basketball gross motor skills. This was one of the things that I've done with my old awards and the kids LOVE it!

Need fine motor activities for this week? Look no further than Sports Themed Fine Motor Activities!

March Gross Motor Planning - St. Patrick's Day Week
Check out even more fun ideas for incorporating basketball into gross motor activities.
St. Patrick's Day is such a fun theme for both gross motor activities and fine motor activities. It's one of my personal favorites! Read in detail about St. Patrick's Day gross motor an St. Patrick's Day fine motor planning activities.

One of the best ways to start this week is with The Rainbow Relay. It is a great way to get some movement in while learning the colors of the rainbow!

The Clover Hop is an easy and fun activity perfect during St. Patrick's Day week.

Of course there is St. Patrick's Themed Yogaposes. These are easy and fun movements that have a St. Patrick's Day theme. There is no need to let the word yoga intimate you. Anyone can do them!

Fast, fun, and effective with no equipment and very little space shouts St. Patrick's Day brain break cards!

Add to your sensory or motor path or create your own St. Patrick's Day themed obstacle course. This can be done easily with the St. Patrick's Day Motor/Sensory Printables. See them in action below!

Do you like tech games and want to try a movement game on your interactive white board? You must check out the St. Patrick's Day brain break game.

St. Patrick's fine motor activities are done for you! Get St. Patrick's Day Fine Motor Activities here!

March Gross Motor Planning Ideas - Circus

The circus is so much fun! It's the perfect theme to add to any motor planning. Read in detail about all of the circus themed motor planning ideas!

Circus Yoga is the perfect way to start. This is a great way to work on strength, body awareness, and flexibility with fun. No need to be a yogi, these moves are fun and easy!

Get FREE circus themed movement cards in the freebie library.

I love any kind of silly relay for a circus theme. One of my favorites is the pool noodle. You can see even more fun relay races for kids here like the one in the video below!

Use a hula hoop as a "flaming hoop". Think of all the different ways you can move through the hoop like the video below!

Circus Fine Motor is covered for you! Get all of the different circus fine motor activities.

March Motor Planning Bonus Week - Spring

With March comes Spring. Well, not always in Minnesota, but in many parts of the country. Spring is a fun time to splash in puddles and thing gardens, flowers, and more!

Read in detail about spring themed gross motor ideas.

Read in detail about spring themed fine motor ideas.

One of my favorite Spring time games is Bumble Bee Relay

Spring Yoga is a fun and easy way to move bodies with a spring theme. No need to be a yogi for these fun moves! We even like to make it more fun by creating an obstacle course!

The puddle jump game is a fun and simple way to move and get gross motor skills in!

Fast, fun, effective and very little equipment or space are needed when you try out the Spring themed brain break ideas.

Baseball season has begun! Get the baseball measurement gross motor game from the freebie library!

Spring themed fine motor activities can be found here.

Be sure to check out all of our ideas for motor planning by the month and theme!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
March Motor Planning Ideas - Fine Motor and Gross Motor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
March is here and full of great options for gross motor planning. With St. Patrick's Day, the basketball tournaments, spring etc. it makes it easy for March gross motor planning. Check out all of the different ideas for March gross motor planning. Start off the month with an ocean theme .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
*We received complimentary Tumbl Trak products in exchange for this review. All opinions and views are our own.
*This post contains affiliate links.Read more.
You're getting ready to set up an obstacle course for your kids at home, in your therapy room, or in the gym. You haul out the , slide the into place, stretch out your and then one of kids chimes in, "This ? We always do the same obstacle course."

And just like that, all of your hopes and dreams for a fun, engaging game vanish right before your eyes. If this sounds familiar, it's time for an obstacle course makeover!

One of our favorite activities at The Treehouse and in our school-based therapy sessions are obstacle courses. We love them, the kids love them, and they're perfect for promoting a huge range of developmental skills from coordination to balance to strength and more!

And today, we've got lots of fun obstacle course ideas to spice up your old favorite obstacle course and make it new again!

10 Creative Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids

1 || Carrying An Object

Have kids carry a ball, toy, or other object through the obstacle course to increase the challenge. Make it a weighted object for more proprioceptive input and to build strength.

2 || Holding Hands

Make it a partner game! Assign partners and challenge kids to hold hands with their buddy without letting go as they move through each obstacle.

3 || Red Light, Green Light

This is a great way to work on impulse control, reaction time, and self-regulation. When you call out "green light!", kids begin moving through the obstacles. Call out "red light!" and that's their cue to freeze - even if they're teetering on the edge of an obstacle!

4 || Animal Walks

Have kids try moving like an animal all the way through the obstacle course ( crab walk, bear walk, inchworm).

5 || Speed Challenge

Can kids race against the clock as they make their way through the obstacle course, trying to achieve their fastest time? Or, can they try it in slow motion?

6 || Song Signal

Play music as kids move through the obstacles. Stop the music without warning and see if kids can freeze as soon as they hear it stop. Repeat!

7 || Take it Outside!

Using natural obstacles like logs to balance on, stones to step on, and branches to crawl under is a great way to breathe a little life into an obstacle course. Try our Sensory Motor Scavenger Hunt for more ideas!

8 || Partner Carry

Have kids work as a team to carry an object (ball, balloon) as they make their way through the course.

9 || Lights Out!

10 || Super Simple DIY Obstacle Course

No supplies or equipment? No problem! Try out this awesome (and easy) obstacle course idea!

Our Favorite Obstacle Course Extras!

Folding Inclines from Tumbl Trak - These inclines have quickly become an obstacle course favorite for the kids in our play groups. They're durable and so versatile - we've used them for kids to walk, crawl, and roll up and down and our toddlers love to roll balls down the inclines! They fold up into a compact unit for easy storage. If you don't have these in your gross motor collection - trust us, you'll want to add them today!

Half Rounds from Tumbl Trak - Firm foam balance beams with a hook Velcro back that secure to closed loop carpet on the floor or a wall. We've been lo ving these during our obstacle courses at The Treehouse!

Hands and Feet from Tumbl Trak - These soft denim fabric squares with hook Velcro backing have hands and feet screen printed on them in bright colors. These make the perfect visual cues for gross motor activities!

Check out how we used our Half Rounds and Hands & Feet together for a super fun activity at The Treehouse!

Hoop Holders
River Stones Hopscotch Rings
The following two tabs change content below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Creative Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids - The Inspired Treehouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These fun obstacle course ideas are the perfect way to promote developmental skills while keeping kids engaged and interested! *We received complimentary Tumbl Trak products in exchange for this review. All opinions and views are our own. *This post contains affiliate links. Read more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spell your name workout fitness activity printable for kids. Your kids will get a workout without realizing it when you make fitness into a fun game.

💭 Quick Tips

This can be done in a classroom, homeschool environment, or just with one child at a time. I also recommend checking out the simon says workout for Kids.

Use a dry erase board and have them write out their full name before doing the activity.

You can also use this with spelling lists and other important words you want your kids to learn to spell. Educational and good for healthy bodies, this activity really is a win-win.

You can use a single large dry erase board or buy these small ones only $6 each. And the best thing is that the kids will think it's just fun, so you probably won't get a single argument from them.

You can use this with individual kids or even at parties or in a classroom environment. A school district is even using this printable in their physical education program! I'd love to hear how you use it.

Spell your name workout for Kids

Spell your name work out Beginners

Spell your name work out Advanced

Make sure you Pin this on Pinterest for later! Use the image below!

Printable Terms

730 Sage Street has provided this printable free of charge for personal use. You may NOT link directly to the PDF file, resell, or use commercially. This is a violation of the terms of the graphics and the copyright. Personal use includes parties, classrooms, home school, church, community activities, etc.

Printing Tips

The PDF should print easily to your default print size without having to change anything. It prints to an 8-½ x 11 size sheet which is standard paper size.

Use cardstock so it holds up all summer!

Consider getting a laser printer for your printables, they have come way down in price.

Turn printables into a write on / wipe off page with a thermal laminator.

How to print

Print this by clicking here --> What's your name? Fitness Activity Printable for Kids.

****Important note: The password to unlock the PDF is: kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spell Your Name Workout - What's Your Name? Fitness Activity Printable for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What's your name? Fitness activity printable for kids. Your kids will get a workout without realizing it when you make fitness into a fun game with this spell your name workout.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Back

MovetoLearnMS - YouTube

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"jack hartmann" "kids music channel" "educational songs" "brain breaks" "count to 100" "alphabet song" phonics "kids music" "kids videos" "kids songs" "letter sounds" "kindergarten songs" "songs for kindergarten" "songs for 1st grade" "songs for 2nd grade" "songs for 3rd grade" "songs for 4th grade" "kids music channel" "fun songs for kids" tooty ta "boom chicka boom" "counting songs" "color songs" "letter sounds" "letter sounds song" "kindergarten learning videos"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jack has made over 45 albums for children with over 1,000 super fun and movement songs for children. Our songs for kids and educational videos will help your...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 minute yoga for kids at home and  at schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"kids yoga" "yoga for kids" "yoga for children yoga story for kids" "children's yoga" "yoga adventure for kids" "kindergarten yoga" "preschool yoga" "kids me...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
YOGA | MINDFULNESS | RELAXATION FOR KIDS! Screentime that gives kids SUPERPOWERS! ⬇️ D O W N L O A D T H E C O S M I C K I D S A P P ⬇️ 🍏Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cosmic-kids/ 🛍️Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cosmickids 🖥️ Desktop (great for teachers!): https://app.cosmickids.com/ 📺 Roku: https://rb.gy/44r8d -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why watch on the App?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
moovlee "toddler yoga" "yoga for kids" "relaxation for kids" "mindfulness for kids" "meditation for kids" "breathing exercises for kids" "movement videos for...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Not all screen time has to be unhealthy! 💪 Moovlee is all about using exercise, meditation and breathing techniques to help children with their social, emotional and physical development. My aim is to create a catalogue of exercise and movement animations that children (and adults!) will enjoy watching and copying.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Stairs are an important part of our everyday lives. Many families have stairs inside or leading into their homes. Other families may not have stairs in their home but will visit friends' or relatives' houses that have stairs. Common questions that parents often ask therapists are: "When should my child be able to crawl or walk up the stairs" and "How can I help my child safely come down the stairs?"

Children should be able to crawl up the stairs around 13 months, walk up and down the stairs with a railing or support around 15 months, and walk up and down the stairs without assistance around 24-26 months. Therapists will often use steps or stairs to work on strengthening a child's leg or core muscles, practice coordination, body awareness, balance, and motor planning skills.

When families don't have accessible stairs, there are many other ways that we can practice strengthening the same muscles and coordination patterns required for stair climbing.
Common household items with which to practice stair climbing skills:

Step stools (single or double step)

Cardboard boxes - reinforced with duct tape

Toy bins

Tupperware bins

Thick books

Firm cushions from the couch

Parent's leg

How can you set up common household items to help your child improve their strength and coordination to climb up and down stairs and what skills will this work on?

You can get varying heights of step stools to practice stepping or crawling up and down from a step

Stepping up/down from step stools also works on body awareness so that kids have to pay attention to foot placement when they step on/off

Standing on a step stool also works on balance since they have to stand with their feet closer together and can't just step in any direction

You can make this easier by putting the step stools against the couch so your child can lean against the couch as they walk up the steps

You can make it harder by putting the step stools in the middle of the room and increasing the space between the step stools

You can also wrap phone books (or other books) or boxes in duct tape to have a smaller distance to step up and down.

Couch Cushions:

You can use these the same way you use step stools.

These are easier because they are wider than step stools giving your child more space and allowing them to focus on strengthening their legs

At the same time couch cushions can be a little more difficult because they are unstable and challenge their balance skills

In the community you can also find stairs or steps at: Outside on playground equipment:

Using playground equipment is a great way to practice actual stairs that are a little smaller and just the right size for your child. This can be helpful for families that have steep stairs in their home.
Getting outside:

Practicing on curbs also provides a real functional activity that kids will encounter in their daily lives

You can walk around your neighborhood and search for different height curbs and curbs that are all cement or have grass to make the activity more challenging.

By: Anna Romanosky, PT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips & Tricks to Help With Stair Climbing Skills for Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stairs are an important part of our everyday lives. Many families have stairs inside or leading into their homes. Other families may not have stairs in their home but will visit friends' or relatives' houses that have stairs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning to jump off of the ground is part of typical child development and typically happens right around the age of 3 (for some kids before age 3 and for some a little later). This skill takes balance, coordination and strength and is a new concept for your child who is used to being in contact with the ground since she became mobile. Kids all learn to jump at their own rates. I have seen some kids jump up from the ground, two feet together on their very first try. Others seem to get stuck in the pattern of jumping with one foot leading, almost as if they are galloping. But once they get it...WATCH OUT! They will be bouncing around like little Tiggers for weeks! Below are a few tips I use to get kids jumping quickly and with good form (and usually with BIG smiles too!).

1. Give your child a cue to squat down really low, like a frog, wait a second and then JUMP! Sometimes, this hint to squat gives them just enough momentum through their legs to boost them off the ground!

2. Place something on the ground and encourage them to jump over it. A taped line, a favorite small toy, anything! Motivation is key here - DON'T SQUASH IT!

3. Make a target. Tape a piece of paper or stick a sticker to the ground a few inches in front of your child. On the count of 3, say JUMP! See if they can land on it.

4. Model jumping for them. Stand next to your child, encourage them to watch you, squat down and jump!

5. Jump to pop bubbles! Blow bubbles low to the ground for your child and see if he can jump up and pop them.

Most kids will learn to jump on their own when their bodies are coordinated, strong, and ready. But, if your little one seems a little reluctant or doesn't quite seem to be getting the concept, these tips should help!

Be sure to sign up to receive our newsletter, a weekly roundup of our favorite posts delivered right to your inbox! Simply enter your email address in the box in the sidebar and click "Subscribe"!

Photo credit: gitsul. via photopin cc - text and graphic added

The following two tabs change content below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CHILD DEVELOPMENT QUICK TIP: LEARNING HOW TO JUMP - The Inspired Treehouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learning to jump off of the ground is part of typical child development and typically happens right around the age of 3 (for some kids before age 3 and for some a little later). This skill takes balance, coordination and strength and is a new concept for your child who is used to being in contact with the ground since she became mobile.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Jumping is a motor milestone that requires strength, balance, coordination, body awareness and motor planning. When practicing jumping we want to be sure to expose our children to different environments around them, with feet bare the child is able to interact with the unique texture of the ground surface.

Practice on soft grass, padded mats, carpet and hardwood. Each surface offers its own challenges to the child as they begin practicing jumping! Use other children as models, as peer play is essential to the acquisition of motor milestones. Children observe and learn from others.

Jumping forward with one foot leading: 18-24 months

Jumping in place with two feet together: 22-24 months

Jumping off small platform landing with two feet: 24-30 months

Jumping over obstacles: 30-36 months

Jumping forward with two foot take off and landing: 36 months

Hopping on one foot: 48 months

It is important to not rush each child's skills along. Jumping occurs in a step wise manner, with children first experimenting with weight shifting, jumping down, jumping over, jumping up, hopping on one foot, and finally alternating hopping on single leg and double leg as in hopscotch. All milestones occur on a continuum and we can help support and encourage our little ones as they grow and experiment with new activities!

Tips to Teach Children to Jump Independently

Using a therapy ball begin by stabilizing the ball with your body in a corner or against a wall. Support the child with downward pressure at their hips as you encourage gentle bouncing up and down. This allows for important feedback from the ball into their lower extremity joints.

Using the trampoline with a bar to start can help children develop independent jumping skills, recruiting upper body support until they are ready to rely on lower body strength to propel vertically!

Role playing animal movements, can help infuse creative expression into jumping! Try frog jumps - deep squat to jump and kangaroo jumps - upright vertical jumps.

The Hippity Hop offers help with motor planning, as child uses ball to jump, they are practicing bending knees and pushing off floor through feet.

Using tactile footprints helps to designate a colorful starting and ending position for the child. The gentle texture of the footprint helps activate the muscles of the sole of the foot as they grip the floor.

Jumping down from low height (we love using the foam balance beam as it provides nice proprioceptive input especially with bare feet). provide bright visual cue as well as promote narrowed base of support during jumping.

Jumping over colored tape lines is a great precursor to hurdles, offering visual cues to develop motor planning skills needed for jumping!

Once child masters jumping over colored tape, you can begin to introduce obstacles which promote more vertical height. These are great because you can gradually increase height to challenge the child as they develop more strength, balance and control in jumping skills!

The help to address lower extremity alignment during jumping.

The is a fun tool to practice jumping, promoting narrowed base of support as child is motivated to plant feet inside colorful hoop.

The hoop ladder can also be used to promote sequence jumps, changing configuration to teach children open-close jumps in preparation for hop scotch!

This awesome hop scotch floor puzzle can be used to practice open close jumps, jumping forward and sideways as child progresses to each number, and ultimately single leg to double leg jumps.

It is important to contact your Pediatrician or a Pediatric Physical Therapist if around 2.5-3 years of age your child continues to show difficulty jumping and you notice any of the following:

Asymmetric Jumping (pushing off only from one side)

Lacking Power in Push Off (not able to gain vertical clearance in jumps)

Frequent Falls (legs not supporting child upon landing jumps)

Anxiety or Frustration (demonstrating resistance or fear of jumping preventing the child from conquering this motor skill)

For activity ideas to promote jumping read "Fun Activities...with Colored Spots!"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching Children to Jump - DINOSAUR PHYSICAL THERAPY

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jumping is a motor milestone that requires strength, balance, coordination, body awareness and motor planning. When practicing jumping we want to be sure to expose our children to different environments around them, with feet bare the child is able to interact with the unique texture of the ground surface.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning to jump is an exciting and fun milestone in your child's life! Learning to jump will help your child to keep up and participate with their friends in sports and other physical play, which gives them lifelong opportunities for fitness and socialising. As a result, jumping is an important milestone that we often work on with the children we see at Move and Play.

Most typically developing children learn to jump by around 3 years of age. However, each child is different, so some children will learn to jump before 3, and some children will learn to jump after 3. Children with motor difficulties or disabilities may learn to jump many years after this.

Jumping requires strong legs, a strong trunk, coordination and balance. Regardless of the age your child is learning to jump, here are some tips and strategies to help your child to learn to jump well so that they are bounding around in no time.

Rocket jumps or frog jumps: Show or help your child to squat down low into a deep squat. From this position you can count down ('10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast Off!') or get them to jump up like a frog. Bending down in a deep squat position and then rising back to standing helps to strengthen their leg muscles which will help them to learn to jump. You can also encourage them to stand up really quickly which helps them to learn to propel themselves upwards quickly with their legs.

Rising up on toes: The other leg muscles that are important for jumping is the calf muscles. Having strong calf muscles will help your child to propel themselves upwards and off the ground. You can help your child to build their calf strength by getting them to rise up on their toes. By encouraging them to do this quickly, you are also helping them to develop the propulsion they need to get up off the ground.

Jumping on a kids mini tramp with a grip bar: These mini tramps are great to help your child work on the action of jumping without having to also balance because they have the bar to hold onto. Unlike when they try to jump off the ground, using the mini tramp also gives your child momentum to help them to get clearance off the mini tramp. This helps them to develop their coordination and strength in preparation for being able to jump off the ground.

Jumping in the pool: Practicing jumping in the pool means that your child's body weight is supported by the water, which will help them to be able to jump without having to push up against their whole body weight. This is a great way to help your child to experience clearance off the ground. Being in the water also helps to slow your child's movements down, which will help their balance when learning this new skill. Quick tip: The deeper the water, the more your child will be supported; the shallower the water, the less your child will be supported - so make sure you progress from deeper water to shallower water.

Jumping with hands held: This will help your child to practice the action and experience getting off the ground, even if they haven't yet got the strength to do so.

Jumping off a low step/curb/obstacle etc: Unlike jumping off the ground, jumping off a low step or curb does not require as much clearance of the feet from the ground. So if your child has trouble with their upward momentum, you could try jumping forwards first off something low first until they get the hang of coordinating their legs to jump together in an upwards direction.

Once your child has mastered a basic two legged jump, you can then progress to teaching them to jump over obstacles, hopping, jumping with a skipping rope, and many other fun activities.

If you are concerned that your child is not progressing towards learning to jump, a therapist who works specifically with children may be able to give them the helping hand they need to master this milestone. Move and Play's therapists frequently help children to learn this important skill.

Contact our clinic today by email or phone on (07) 4942 9343 to find out how our physiotherapist and occupational therapists can help your child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learning to jump is an exciting and fun milestone in your child's life! Learning to jump will help your child to keep up and participate with their friends in sports and other physical play, which gives them lifelong opportunities for fitness and socialising.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
These tips are a great start for kids who are just learning how to kick a ball!

You have watched your baby rapidly progress through the stages of development from rolling to crawling, standing to walking, and running to jumping. Before you know it, and probably before you're quite ready, your kiddo will be ready to be the next soccer star.

You will start to notice her picking up her foot awkwardly to try to kick a ball as she hangs on to the edge of the couch with a death grip. Rapidly, her confidence and skill will progress to the ability to kick that ball across a room so hard that you fear for every lamp and every piece of decor around.

Time to take that new-found skill outside and refine it!

How do you teach your child to kick with good force and direction?

How do you encourage the reciprocal arm and leg motion that look so natural for some kids but maybe just seems awkward for yours?

Let's talk about how this skill develops.

When Kids Learn How to Kick a Ball

On the typical timeline of development, toddlers are able to lift their foot to contact a ball around the age of 15-16 months.

By 20 months, a child can kick a ball forward 3' and will gradually improve his ability to kick without the ball deviating from midline in either direction by the age of 24 months.

By 30 months, the distance a child can kick has improved to upwards of 6' and the opposing arm and leg movements are more evident. In other words, as your child kicks with her right foot, her left arm should swing forward.

By 6 years of age, a child can kick a ball 12' in the air and she is ready to be the star forward on the soccer team!

Some kids progress through this skill naturally while others, typically those with difficulty using both sides of their body or those with low core strength, need a bit of help to coordinate a good kick.

Teaching Kids How to Kick a Ball

Here are my top tips for helping kids reach their maximum kicking potential.

A child MUST have good balance to be able to kick a ball and, if you think about it, they are only on one leg a good amount of time during a big kick!

A decent kick involves opposite arm and leg in motion at the same time and when that kick is forceful, a child uses her whole body to get that ball to fly. The arm and leg often come across the midline to give that extra momentum!

Have your child march to music and try to touch hands or elbows to the opposite knee or Try some good old fashioned hand clapping games or fingerplays!

3 || Hand-eye coordination is key!

Sometimes it is downright frustrating just to get that foot to connect with the ball! Exercises like tapping a balloon with the hands and foot, bouncing and catching a ball, or even just playing a simple game of toss and catch will help with hand-eye (and foot-eye) coordination! Also, try using an under-inflated ball for extra proprioceptive feedback...TRUST ME, it works!

4 || Try working in a small space first

Kids know that when they kick a ball, that ball should go fast and hard toward something. Sometimes it's important to put a little limitation on that desire and start small. Try putting some tape targets on the garage door and seeing if he can kick to those from increasing distances. Or, try a simple game of soccer passing back and forth between you and your child or your child and her friends. Again, gradually increase the distance as improvement is noted. Visuals like tape lines or cones to make a kicking "lane" also help!

Strength = power and the stronger your child's core is, the more umpf he can put behind that kick!

6 || Create a positive environment!

Learning new skills is all about the fun! Maybe a ball is too hard at first. Build a block tower, kick it down, repeat! Clap loud, cheer hard! Your feedback will be the most important factor in your child's perseverance to learn this skill. Try one of these cool balls for kids!

Looking for more ideas for helping kids with learning to kick a ball? Check out these fun soccer drills for kids!

The following two tabs change content below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching Kids How to Kick a Ball - The Inspired Treehouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These tips are a great start for kids who are just learning how to kick a ball! You have watched your baby rapidly progress through the stages of development from rolling to crawling, standing to walking, and running to jumping.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skills for Early Learning is an app for preschool and kindergarten that focuses on improving kids' cognitive ability. Kids journey through four games that tap into such executive function tasks as working memory, logical reasoning, flexible thinking, attention, and inhibitory control. Games ask kids to repeat sequences, continue patterns, and sort by changing rules as tasks get more challenging. For example, kids begin with sorting by either color or shape, and then sorting rules change mid-game; kids must inhibit their initial impulse to sort according to the old rules. When kids successfully complete all four tasks, they earn a fish to add to their aquarium. The parents' section includes a progress tracker that scores overall performance, gives sub scores in the four skills (memory, reasoning, inhibition, flexibility), compares performance to that of other kids of the same age, and details progress of the preceding four weeks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skill Training Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skills for Early Learning is an app for preschool and kindergarten that focuses on improving kids' cognitive ability. Kids journey through four games that tap into such executive function tasks as working memory, logical reasoning, flexible thinking, attention, and inhibitory control.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is a great calming activity or coping tool to use when students need to cool down after an active lesson, are having a stressful moment, or need an emotion regulation strategy.

While based on the active rest between each Zoo Academy assessment scene, geared towards K-1 students, this calming activity could be used with students of any age.

While struggling with anxiety a couple years ago, a therapist recommended I try square breathing. This breathing technique goes like this:

Breathe in for four seconds
Hold for four seconds
Breathe out for four seconds
Hold for four seconds

I'm not sure what makes it work, whether it's the act of breathing that is calming, the specific timing of this technique, or the fact that you have to concentrate and count to do it correctly so you aren't focused on whatever's worrying you. But it really is a very calming activity.

So when I needed to design an active rest to give little ones a break between each scene of Zoo Academy, I knew I wanted it to involve deep breathing.

Students will use Lester the bird's flying to visualize when to breathe. When Lester flies up, they'll breathe in, and when Lester flies down, they'll breathe out.

(Can be used in conjunction with the video, or on it's own)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a great calming activity or coping tool to use when students need to cool down after an active lesson, are having a stressful moment, or need an emotion regulation strategy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning good social skills is a vital part of your child's education. Help your children grow into confident young adults with our fun social skills activities for kids.

Why Social Skills Activities?

What does your child need to develop positive social skills? You might think that playing with their friends would be enough to learn all the social skills they need to. But, in fact, they also need guidance about appropriate behavior and good communication. Social skills activities provide parents and teachers with opportunities to observe the social skills of students and guide them to improved social behavior.

Social Skills Activities from JumpStart

Our free social skills activities will help your kids learn good etiquette because:

These are activities that help your child master important social skills such as making conversation, negotiating with peers and handling conflict.

Inspired by top-notch research, they use fun methods to teach your child to listen, communicate and cooperate.

Social skills activities come in a variety of forms but all of them have the same goal - to help your child become a better communicator and learn to work with others.

Check out these free printable activity sheets today! And when he's done with them, don't forget to check out our other free educational worksheets for kids, only on !

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learning good social skills is a vital part of your child's education. Help your children grow into confident young adults with our fun social skills activities for kids. What does your child need to develop positive social skills? You might think that playing with their friends would be enough to learn all the social skills they need to.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Emotional Basics

Children learn about face and body clues in order to understand what emotions look like.

Breathing

Studies show that deep breathing brings more oxygen to the brain and has a measurable physiological impact.

The Emotional ABCs Toolbar

The Emotional ABCs Toolbar shows children how to quickly figure out what they are feeling (Pause), why (Rewind) & how to make a good choice (Play).

The Emotional Playbook

Children are given a reference book of good choices to draw from during everyday situations. Children learn potential "good choices" from a Playbook of options.

Moodlandia

In Moodlandia, children bring all their new skills together by guiding Moody through everyday scenarios.

Games, Fun & Extras

All lessons lead to My Board where children see rewards they have earned and can play unlocked games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What if your child could have a better day...EVERY day?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Empower your child with better social-emotional skills! Learn why Emotional ABCs is used by parents & schools worldwide to improve social emotional learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An evidence-based approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children in the classroom, school and home environments. Choose the implementation option to suit your school.

For a limited time, Australian primary schools can apply for a funded place and receive the Primary School Program at no direct cost to the school.

Smiling Mind is Australia's leading digital-led, prevention focussed mental health not-for-profit. Smiling Mind has been helping minds thrive for over 10 years and are the innovators behind Australia's most trusted mental wellbeing app. Our evidence-based tools support people to learn the skills to maintain their mental health in fun and interactive ways.

If you'd like to support our work, you can make a donation. Every contribution, however large or small makes a difference and we're so grateful for your support.

The Australian Mental Wellbeing Index provides a snapshot insight into the everyday mental wellbeing of Australia. It explores the factors that contribute to mental wellbeing and aims to generate a national conversation about how Australians can take a proactive approach to support mental wellbeing.

We've recently released the second annual report exploring the data collected across 2022-2023. The latest report shows young Australians aged 18-24, are experiencing poorer mental wellbeing than older age groups and poorer levels of focus and concentration may be a key driver of this.

A daily mindfulness and meditation guide at your fingertips

#1 Apple Health & Wellbeing App 2018 - Australia

Trusted by over 7.8M people

100% evidence based

FREE Programs for children and adults

We suggest 10 minutes a day

What are you waiting for?

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Smiling Mind is a non-for-profit web and app-based meditation program developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into your life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Yoga, Mindfulness, and Science Education for Students YoMind

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This summer the YoMIND team went to Las Vegas to film a music video for JusTme's new single, "I'm Inspired". While we were there, we also a filmed a series of 7 short mindfulness exercises, featuring JusTme, for use in the classroom and at home. While these videos were made with students K-8 in mind, the videos are relaxing and appropriate for all ages. Practicing mindfulness for short periods many times during the day is good for yo' body and yo' mind! So give them a try and share them with your friends, family and co-workers.

If you are a teacher or school administrator, please consider using these videos in the classroom and school wide. The videos can be used as 'brain breaks' for both teachers and students ( research here on why this works!).

Like these videos? Help us produce more resources by making a donation to the Ashland Schools foundation. Write in the comment section for your contribution to go to "YoMIND Video Production". The Ashland Schools Foundation supports YoMIND and serves as our fiscal sponsor for this community project. Donations are tax deductible and will go towards YoMIND's mission to positively impact the changing world we live in, by bringing inspiring, relevant education to our youth through video and audio resources.
Click THANK YOU in advance for watching and spreading the word about these free resources! HERE to donate. Please write in the comments "YoMIND Video Production"
Music Video:

Mindfulness Exercises:

To play these videos in the classroom, consider accessing them directly through our Vimeo page here.

How This Project Came About

From Libby Edson, Founder of YoMIND:

So if you have scrolled down this far, you probably like what you see! Let me share briefly how this video project came to fruition. (If you want to see full story of how I launched the YoMIND community effort in 2013, please click here).

In the Spring of 2015, I began an ongoing conversation with filmmaker Natalie Faye about how to bring mindfulness "edutainment" videos into the schools in a fun and effective way, that would supplement the onsite programs already in place. We knew right away that a big key to success would be finding great on-camera talent: charismatic, hip, and kind mindfulness teachers that students could relate to.

In early 2016, I left rainy Oregon and stopped by Hermosa Beach to visit with Natalie on my way to UCSD's Bridging the Hearts and Minds of Youth Conference. The conversation continued as we contemplated how to increase the impact of YoMIND's efforts through video. Natalie suggested we focus on finding someone who was already an up-and-coming positive "influencer" with youth, and approach them about collaborating. And it needed to be someone that had a great presence on camera, AND could appeal to all ages. I went off to the conference with a tall order!

However, the very next day, that order was filled!! I attended a session at the conference where JusTme presented on his work with hip hop and mindfulness. From the moment I saw him I knew he would be perfect for this project. I talked to him after the session and he agreed to add his talents to our effort to bring these much needed resources to fruition and make them FREE to everyone!

All told, it took 18 months for YoMIND to pull together the team and finances to bring these videos to fruition. And thanks to the generous efforts of many, here we are.... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Thanks to all who helped make these videos possible. Watch them often and share them with those you love. We hope this is the first of many YoMIND series with collaborators and influencers that share our vision! #wechooselove

Thanks to all who contributed!

With Gratitude,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This summer the YoMIND team went to Las Vegas to film a music video for JusTme's new single, "I'm Inspired" . While we were there, we also a filmed a series of 7 short mindfulness exercises, featuring JusTme, for use in the classroom and at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to Rainy Mood, the internet's most popular rain experience.

Millions of people use Rainy Mood while sleeping, studying, and relaxing.

Enjoy the free web version, or try the iOS/Android app with additional features.

Also available on
Spotify and Apple Music

Share & Connect

©2023 Plain Theory * Rainy Mood is a registered trademark
Terms of Use

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Rainy Mood, the internet's most popular rain sounds. Millions of people use Rainy Mood while sleeping, studying, and relaxing. Enjoy the free web version, or try the iOS/Android app with additional features.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I just did nothing for 2 minutes. Can you?