We love our specials collaborations because they allow us to work with the children to enhance learning and engagement in the science of how their bodies work. Motion is one of the most essential topics in physical science because everything in the universe moves. It impacts many things that we do. Allowing time for movement in play can help children engage their brains and develop their physical coordination.
The activities we chose for the students, such as an obstacle course, encourage children to predict how their bodies will move and observe the results, fostering inquiry skills. Additionally, the children explore how their bodies can act as simple machines by pushing and pulling objects.
Our games and relays ask the children to make quick physical decisions as they move through space and work together as a team to complete tasks. We find pathways through space and modulate our speed during the games. We love to challenge our teachers in a game of “Rainbow Battle/Clean up your room”—kids vs. grown-ups!
Games with movement, such as “Rainbow Battle” and relay races, can support learning as the students explore the concepts of force and motion, follow simple instructions, learn about cause and effect, work as a team to create a plan, and use critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Parachute play is a physical and sensory activity that engages students in cognitive thinking as they work together to problem solve the best way to move the parachute to achieve their goal.
Week 1 – Obstacle Course: Climb, Roll, Crawl, Balance, Jump, Throw
Week 2 – Parachute, “Rainbow Battle/Clean Your Room”
