Kids Exercise Develops Preschool Learning
During Educational Games for Kids
Often Simplest Moves Build Strength and Gross Motor Skills Best!

Skill Development Task TWO:

Kids Exercise Includes: From a HIGHER Spot Jump To LAND...It Builds Dynamic Body Control and Strength

STEP BY STEP PROGRESSIONS:

To work on body control during kids play have them try this:

YOU can make a big difference in your youngster's body control during their play.

This task sets up a problem and the child's skills will allow him to solve it at their current level of mastery

PROBLEM: Can you JUMP and land on your feet when your start from a elevated SPOT?

In the practice area use a balance beam or a chalk mark or elevated support surface that will NOT shift when weight is applied to it.

Have the child stand on that surface which is 8-10 inch [20-25 cm.] HIGH. Be Safe.
Use bare feet if possible.

1. Place your feet together.
2. Ask the child to curl or wrap their toes over the front edge of the beam, surface, if barefoot.
   Stand TALL and balanced.
3. They need a minute to size up the situation.
4. Bend knees and let the arms swing gently at sides of body, in preparation...
5. Bend the knees and let the arms swing gently along the sides of the body. POWER OFF!
   the beam/surface pushing evenly with both feet.
6. Using the CUE WORDS: READY, SET, GO! begin the action.
7. LAND on the ground/floor with slightly bent knees. Try NOT to shift the feet when landing.
   STICK to the spot where the feet land.
8. FREEZE! Gripping the ground/floor with your toes
9. Practice again and again!!
10. HINT: Use an explosive voice and handclap to encourage a strong lift off the beam/surface.

Note: Watch the arm use. Ask for nice swinging use of the arms. Softly make suggestions: keep back stretched, shoulders level, arms straight, bend knees on landing.

TASK OBJECTIVE: BODY CONTROL while in motion. This will help the child manage their whole body in dynamic motion. Leg strength will be developed as task is practiced.

Teaching Hints for Turning Kids Exercise into Building Brain Times

• This is a beginning use of plyometrics for performance enhancement as well as
  preventive health movement training.
• The senses will connect the muscles to the brain as the child strives to maintain their balance.
• Make sure that the practice times for this task are SHORT and happy!
• Check to make certain that the toes are touching as well as the heels touching each other.
• This contact recruits the brain and ensures good muscle control.