Physical Development and Health Materials

Physical Development and Health 

KDI:

12. Moving parts of the body: Children move parts of the body (turning head, grasping, kicking).

13. Moving the whole body: Children move the whole body (rolling, crawling, cruising, walking, running, balancing).

14. Moving with objects: Children move with objects.

15. Steady beat: Children feel and experience a steady beat.

ALL MATERIALS:

  • Soft play mats, large pillows or cushions
  • Foam climbing blocks
  • Play tunnel
  • Balance beam or balance stepping stones (low to the ground)
  • Cones or floor markers
  • Push toys for beginning walkers
  • Music player /a variety of children's songs with a steady beat
  • Scarves or ribbons
  • Soft floor mats or carpet/ open floor space
  • Baby-safe mirrors (optional)
  • Child-safe rhythm instruments (shakers, rhythm sticks, bells)
  • Scarves or ribbons (optional)

ALL LESSON PLANS CAN BE COMPLETED IN THE CLASSROOM: NO ROOM CHANGES

Name of Activity: Move and Groove

Originating Idea: The children have shown an interest in music and enjoy moving different parts of their bodies during songs and movement activities.

Curriculum Area: 12. Moving Parts of the Body: Children move parts of the body (turning head, grasping, kicking).

Physical Development and Health

Materials:

  • Music player
  • Variety of children's songs
  • Scarves or ribbons
  • Soft floor mats or carpet
  • Baby-safe mirrors (optional)

Appropriate Age Group: Infants and Toddlers

Beginning of Activity:

Invite the children to gather in an open area and begin playing a familiar children's song. Model simple movements by waving, clapping, kicking your feet, reaching overhead, and turning your head while encouraging the children to join in.

Middle of Activity: Your ideas for scaffolding children at different developmental levels

Early:
Place young infants on a soft mat during tummy time or supported sitting. Encourage them to turn their heads toward the music, kick their legs, reach for a scarf, or grasp a toy while describing their movements.

Middle:
Encourage older infants to clap, wave scarves, crawl toward the music, reach overhead, or stomp their feet while following simple movement cues. Celebrate each child's attempts and allow them to move at their own pace.

Later:
Invite toddlers to copy different movements, such as stretching, jumping, marching, spinning, clapping, or dancing with scarves. Encourage them to suggest new movements for the group to imitate.

End of Activity:

Slow the music and encourage children to take deep breaths while gently stretching their arms and legs. End with a goodbye song before transitioning to the next classroom routine.

Follow-up Ideas (2)

  1. Place scarves, ribbons, and musical instruments in the movement area so children can continue exploring body movements during free play.
  2. Repeat the activity using songs with action words, such as "If You're Happy and You Know It" or "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," to encourage children to move different parts of their bodies in new ways.

Name of Activity: Adventure Obstacle Course

Originating Idea: The children have shown an interest in crawling, climbing, walking, and exploring their environment through movement.

Curriculum Area: 13: Moving the Whole Body: Children move the whole body (rolling, crawling, cruising, walking, running, balancing).

Physical Development and Health

Materials:

  • Soft play mats
  • Foam climbing blocks
  • Play tunnel
  • Balance beam or balance stepping stones (low to the ground)
  • Cones or floor markers
  • Large pillows or cushions
  • Push toys for beginning walkers

Appropriate Age Group: Infants and Toddlers

Beginning of Activity:

Set up a simple obstacle course using soft, age-appropriate equipment. Invite the children to explore the course at their own pace, demonstrating each section and encouraging them to move through it in ways that feel comfortable.

Middle of Activity: Your ideas for scaffolding children at different developmental levels

Early:
Encourage young infants to roll across a soft mat, reach for toys placed nearby, or practice tummy time while moving toward a favorite object. Support them as needed while celebrating their efforts.

Middle:
Invite older infants to crawl through the tunnel, pull up on sturdy equipment, crawl along a low surface, or climb over soft cushions. Offer encouragement while allowing children to solve movement challenges independently.

Later:
Challenge toddlers to walk around cones, balance on a low beam or stepping stones, climb over foam blocks, crawl through the tunnel, and safely run in open spaces. Encourage them to complete the course multiple times while trying different paths.

End of Activity:

Gather the children together for a short cool-down by stretching, taking deep breaths, and talking about their favorite part of the obstacle course. Transition to the next activity with a movement song or a drink of water.

Follow-up Ideas (2)

  1. Rearrange the obstacle course each week to introduce new movement challenges and keep children engaged.
  2. Add outdoor movement experiences, such as walking on different surfaces, climbing small hills, or following a simple path with stepping stones to continue developing whole-body movement skills.



Name of Activity: Beat Buddies

Originating Idea: The children have shown an interest in music and enjoy responding to songs by clapping, bouncing, and moving their bodies.

Curriculum Area: 15: Steady Beat: Children feel and experience a steady beat.

Physical Development and Health

Materials:

  • Child-safe rhythm instruments (shakers, rhythm sticks, bells)
  • Music player
  • Children's songs with a steady beat
  • Scarves or ribbons (optional)
  • Carpet or open floor space

Appropriate Age Group: Infants and Toddlers

Beginning of Activity:

Gather the children in an open space and introduce the instruments. Play a song with a steady beat and model gently tapping, shaking, or clapping along to the music. Encourage the children to listen and join in however they choose.

Middle of Activity: Your ideas for scaffolding children at different developmental levels

Early:
Help young infants hold or touch a shaker while gently moving it to the beat. Encourage them to watch, listen, and respond by kicking their legs, waving their arms, or moving their bodies as they hear the music.

Middle:
Encourage older infants to independently shake instruments, clap their hands, bounce, or sway to the steady beat. Describe what they are doing by saying, "You're shaking your instrument with the music!"

Later:
Invite toddlers to tap instruments, clap, march, or stomp to the steady beat. Encourage them to copy simple rhythmic patterns and take turns choosing an instrument or a favorite song for the group.

End of Activity:

Gradually slow the music and encourage the children to place their instruments back into the basket. Finish with a quiet goodbye song before transitioning to the next classroom activity.

Follow-up Ideas (2)

  1. Place rhythm instruments in the music center so children can continue exploring steady beats during free play.
  2. Introduce new songs with different tempos and encourage children to clap, march, or dance while listening for the steady beat.