There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are slowly starting to change colors. This can only mean one thing… Fall has arrived! With the weather cooling down, it’s a great opportunity to warm up by enjoying some playful movement. It’s also the perfect time to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month! This wonderful month is a reminder of how physical therapy can help children build strength, confidence, and independence.
To kick off the celebration, we wanted to share 3 activities to get your little ones moving. We hope you enjoy partaking in these fun and silly games with your kiddos!
1. Ball Toss: With the weather warming up, now is a great time to get outside! This first activity allows you to do just that. Grab a ball of your choice, and make your way outdoors with your little one. Take turns tossing the ball to one another, and see how many times in a row you can catch it. Then, to make the game even more interesting, get a bucket, basket, or large container, and have your child try to toss the ball into it.
Bonus Tip: Incorporate balls of all different shapes, weights, and sizes.
2. Follow the Leader – Dance Edition: Follow the Leader is a classic game that you’ve probably played at least once, but have you ever tried the dance version? Not only is it perfect for getting your little ones moving, but it also lets them work on their balance and coordination. To start, have your child be the leader and shout out a dance move for you to follow. You both will have to perform that dance move until your child shouts out another move to try. Then, switch roles and have a turn at being the dance leader!
Bonus Tip: Play some of your child’s favorite music in the background to add even more excitement.
3. Yoga Safari: Clear a space in your house and lay down some blankets on the floor. Now, lead your child through some animal-inspired yoga poses. For example, you can round out your back like a stretching cat, squat down and hop like a frog, sit with your feet together and flap your knees to mimic a butterfly’s wings, or balance on one leg like a flamingo. Not only does this work on your child’s flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination, but it’s also a whole lot of fun.
Bonus Tip: Do your best to make the noise of each animal.
Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) all month long as we continue to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month. As always, please feel free to contact us to talk about if your little one could benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support you and your child however we can.
