Appropriate Ages : 1 Year
Appropriate no. Of children : 1 to 4 children
Skills this activity supports : following instructions, able to hold two items in each hand, bending over to pick items up, throwing skills, patience.
Method : Place a large box or bucket on the ground; Give a beanbag to each child. Encourage the children to throw the beanbag, repeat, taking turns with each child.
Suggested interactions : Saying words of encouragement, asking them questions like the color of their beanbags, how far they are throwing etc.
Resources : Beanbags (minimum of 2)
Bucket or box
References : www.aussiechildcarenetwork.com
Crawl And Chase
Appropriate Ages : 6 Months – 18 Months
Appropriate no. Of children : 1 or 2
Skills this activity supports : * Begins to search and find objects. * Responds to sound of their name. * Begins to follow one-step instructions. * Able to sit unsupported. * Starts crawling. * Reaches for objects. Method: * Clear some space (large enough for crawling) and place the toy at one end of the room. * Ask your baby to “find” the toy and encourage your baby to crawl towards it. * When your baby crawls towards it, they try and “grab it”. * Position the toy around various areas around the large space.
Suggested interactions : Encouraging the child to crawl to the toy, giving simple instructions. Praising the child when they complete the task.
Resources : * A fluffy toy * Large space
References : www.aussiechildcarenetwork.com
Jump The Rope
Appropriate Ages : 2 years +
Appropriate no. Of children : individual child or in small groups
Skills this activity supports : * Co-ordination * Balance * Eye/ hand co-ordination * Jumping Method : * Swing the rope around you slightly above the group. * The children try to jump the rope as it comes around
.
Suggested interactions : Words of encouragement, ask them how they can change the game around, give them more ideas.
Resources : Long rope approx. 1 metre. References : www.aussiechildcarenetwork.com
Sack Races
Appropriate Ages : 5 - 12 years
Appropriate no. Of children : Small/large group of children
Skills this activity supports : * Co-ordination. * Balance. * Strength. * Speed. * Understands and follows rules. * Co-operates easily with others. Method : * Make starting and finishing lines (you could do this by adding masking tape on the grass/surface). * The players each have a sack / pillow. They get into it feet first and line up. * The aim of the game is to jump, holding onto the sides of the sack /