Materials
pretend peanuts (packing peanuts) and popcorn (cotton balls)
small paper bags
flat boxes
ribbon
apron with pockets
pretend money
Instructions
1. Take a field trip to a local gym. Have an instructor talk to the children about
health and fitness. If a field trip is not possible, invite an exercise instructor to
come to the classroom to talk to the children. Ask him or her to bring along
some exercise equipment for the children to explore.
2. Help the children set up a gym in the house area. Include a bench and fulllength
mirror, and a small table with pitchers of water and paper cups on it.
Set up the CD player and exercise CDs where the children can easily reach
them.
3. Put small wrist weights on an accessible shelf.
4. Put gym clothes and towels in a basket. Place the basket where the children
can easily reach it.
5. Show the children how to slide the plastic donuts over the ends of the dowel
rods to simulate weights. The children can lie on the bench and lift the
weights. If the plastic donuts fall off too often, simply wrap a piece of
masking tape around the ends of the dowel rods to hold them on.
6. Encourage the children to name the gym and create a sign for it. Hang the
sign over the classroom door or over the entrance to the house area.
7. Make exercise charts. Take sequential photos of a few children as they do
some simple exercises such as push ups, jumping jacks, or sit ups. Use the
photos to create a chart that shows how to do each exercise. Post the charts
in the fitness area.
8. Let the children use the materials during center time. Remind them to drink
lots of water when exercising. Encourage the children to use the exercise
CDs.
9. If desired, keep track of the exercises each child does. Create a chart with a
variety of exercises listed on it. Let the children place a star or other sticker
(use a different color for each child) on the chart when they do each exercise.
More to do More Fitness: Make a punching bag. Firmly stuff a large plastic grocery store
sack with newspaper. Close the bag and secure it with rubber bands. Attach a
length of rope to the bag and hang it from the ceiling in the corner of the
fitness area. Show the children how to punch the bag. Remind them to not hit
so hard that they knock it down.
Blocks: Incorporate the block area by turning it into a tumbling area. Place two
or three tumbling mats on the floor. Encourage the children to use the area to
safely tumble. Make sure the children know how to tumble safely. Remind them
that while cartwheels are fun, they are not for indoor activities!
