Move & Spell
Materials: Scrabble letters
Setup: Large space (preferably outdoors) for running. Place the Scrabble letters at one end and then create a starting point approximately 100ft away.
Learning Concepts Incorporated: spelling, letter recognition
Learning time, or "school", is a typical part of our every day routine. I often try to make it fun but there are obviously times we need to just sit down and actually learn to read and write our letters! However, whenever I am able I try to incorporate some sort of movement into our learning and it is my favorite thing to see their faces light up when I explain that during school we will be playing a game!
I want kids to learn that learning doesn't always take place in the same way. We can learn when sitting at a table or when running around the backyard. We can learn by listening to someone teach us or by exploring our environment. Learning has a variety of paths and my goal is to simply help my children fall in love with learning.
I'm also a strong supporter of using intentional movement in my kid's every day lives. I want them to see movement not as a punishment or a means to an end (ie to lose weight) but instead as simply a way of life. Movement improves our brain function and helps us to function at our best. I want my kids to not only love learning but also movement.
A few things that have helped my kids to actually retain information even though it seems like we are just playing:
Make sure to lay a foundation for the learning concept before beginning a movement activity. Ex. If you want them to learn the letter "A" begin by taking a few minutes to go over the letter "A" before you begin.
Focus on the end goal. What is it you want them to practice while you do the activity (letter recognition, sight words, addition, etc) If your goal is to help your child improve the neatness of their handwriting, playing a fast-paced running game may not be the best option so make sure the end goal matches the activity.
Make it fun. Your attitude can make the most simple activity a lot of fun. Often times I will cheer my kids on or do a dance when they get it right or explain the activity in a way that makes it sound like the coolest thing ever.
Move and Spell
Materials: Scrabble letters
Setup: Large space (preferably outdoors) for running. Place the Scrabble letters at one end and then create a starting point approximately 100ft away.
Learning Concepts Incorporated: spelling, letter recognition
Activity: Start by lining up at the starting line across from the Scrabble letters. You will tell your child a sight word and have them run down to the letters and get one letter at a time to spell the word. Once they have all the letters they can spell the word.
Variations: -Instead of sight words use letters.
-Instead of running, choose a different movement each time such as bear crawl, running backwards, skips, high knees, butt kicks, etc.
-Write the word on the ground using chalk and have your child find each letter.