Children at play are really children who are learning. Remember to take it outside for some good, old fashioned activities that will strengthen body and mind.
Learning to ride a bike, playing catch, swimming and other outdoor play activities are essential to building muscles that will help your child develop fine and gross motor skills. These are the skills that will make learning to write easier.
So make outdoor play a regular part of your child’s life. Here are some fun activities:
• Wheelbarrow races – See how far your child can go doing the wheelbarrow walk or team up with neighborhood children and hold wheelbarrow races. The wheelbarrow walk helps to strengthen the arms and back muscles.
• Chalk drawings – Buy a package of chalk and have your child decorate the sidewalks or driveway in front of your house. Writing and drawing while sitting on the ground will strengthen arm and back muscles.
• Walk and identify – Take a walk around the neighborhood. Reinforce letter and number memory by playing “I-spy” with your child and identify letters and numbers you see.
