Body Awareness - Page 3 of 9

The Space Station Balloon Squeeze

Steps:

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely.
Place two large boxes on the floor about six inches apart.
Tell your child the balloon is a spaceship that needs to go through the narrow space station.
Ask them to push the balloon through the gap using only their elbows.
Once they succeed, move the boxes slightly closer together to make it harder.
Challenge them to push the balloon through using a slow-motion crawl.
Next, have them try to pull the balloon back through the gap using their feet!
This helps them learn how much pressure is needed to move the balloon.
Repeat the maze three times and cheer for every successful mission!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is always required when playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up the broken pieces immediately to keep your child safe.

Floating Feather Fans

Steps:

Lay a long strip of butcher paper on the floor to make your landing runway.
Use masking tape to secure a basket at the very end of the paper.
Have your child lie on their tummy at the start of the runway.
Place a soft feather in front of them on the paper.
Hand your child a straw and ask them to blow air through it.
Challenge them to push the feather forward using only their breath.
If the feather gets stuck, give them a paper plate to use as a fan.
Encourage them to wave the plate to create wind and move the feather.
The goal is to get the feather all the way into the basket!
Repeat the race and see if they can do it faster each time.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely while they are lying on the floor. Ensure the room is clear of sharp corners or hard furniture. Keep straws away from eyes and mouth after use.

Standing Newspaper Foot Crumple Challenge

Steps:

Lay a flat sheet of newspaper on a smooth floor or rug.
Ask your child to stand on one leg next to the paper.
Use the other foot to slowly crinkle and crumple the paper into a ball.
The child must keep their standing foot still the whole time.
Once it is a ball, use the foot to push it into a basket.
Switch legs and try to crumple a new sheet of paper!
Challenge them to do it faster each time they play.

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is near a wall or a sturdy chair for support if they lose their balance.

The Silent Bubble Walk

Steps:

Cut two wide strips of bubble wrap using your scissors.
Wrap one strip gently around each of your child’s shins.
Secure the wrap with a small piece of masking tape.
Ensure the tape is not tight against the skin.
Use masking tape to mark a zigzag path on the floor.
Ask your child to walk the path in total silence.
The goal is to reach the finish line without popping any bubbles!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the tape is not too tight and the plastic is handled safely.

The Supine Tape Rescue

Steps:

Place two sturdy boxes about two feet apart on a carpeted floor.
Stretch several long strips of masking tape between the boxes with the sticky side facing down toward the floor.
Press lightweight treasures like ribbons, feathers, and paper clips onto the sticky tape bridge.
Ask your child to lie on their back on the floor between the two boxes, looking up at the tape.
Encourage them to reach up with one hand to peel a treasure off the tape.
Challenge them to use their other hand to hold a basket as they rescue all the treasures!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure they do not put any small items like paper clips in their mouth.