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Take a Child Outside

by Rae Pica

Last month we had Take a Child Outside Week. But just because it’s passed, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the principle involved. Children need to get outdoors on a regular basis, and autumn is the perfect time for it. Following are some games just the two of you can play if there are no other children available. 

Ready, Set, Jump

Select a starting point and two spots in the yard (or on the playground), somewhat equidistant from the starting point, that can serve as markers (for example, the swing set, the oak tree, or the monkey bars). At your signal, your child walks rapidly toward the first marker and jumps from there to the second, and then jogs back to the starting point. You can repeat these actions for as long as he stays interested, or you can substitute any other locomotor (traveling) skills with each round of play. 

A game like this gives your child an opportunity to practice large-muscle movement and to burn calories. And if you join her in the game, you can benefit as well! 

Jump the Rope

This simple game gives your child an excuse to do one of his favorite things – jump! 

Hold one end of a jump rope with the other end lying on the ground (a plastic one with handles works well for this game). Start turning yourself around so the rope approaches your child’s feet. He jumps over it as it reaches him. When he’s become accomplished at this, pick up the pace! 

Hoops

“Hoops” is a nickname for the game of basketball. But because everything about the real game is too advanced for young children, this game will give your child a chance to at least say she played a game that involves throwing something through a hoop.