Children who participate in physical education programs are likely to become active, healthy adults. At Primrose, we encourage a variety of physical activities for kids through our Thumbs Up!® program. Every day, students at Primrose schools practice physical development skills that help them nurture healthy bodies, create lasting habits and build self-confidence. 

Help your child foster healthy habits with these ideas: 

Infants 

Even babies can benefit from – and enjoy – physical activity! Starting shortly after birth, infants should begin simple exercises to stimulate reflexes and strengthen muscles. At Primrose, teachers use “Tummy Time” and playful gross motor activities to help infants engage in fun and productive movements, building on their progress each day. Try these activities at home to increase your baby’s strength and coordination: 

• Pull and Extend:?Lay your baby on their back and place your index fingers in their palms. When they grasp your fingers, gently pull them toward you to extend their arms. Slip your fingers out of their grasp so their arms return to their natural position. Repeat this movement 2-4 times daily. As they get older, build on the activity by drawing their arms overhead and pulling them slowly to a seated position or up to standing. 
• Blowing Bubbles:?With your baby propped up on a pillow, gently blow bubbles around them from different angles. Help them anticipate the bubbles by saying, “Ready, Set, Blow!” As they get older, they’ll try to catch the bubbles. When they can cruise or pull to stand, going after the bubbles will help them learn how to shift their weight and prepare for walking. 

Toddlers 

Playtime is especially important for toddlers. They develop foundational skills like coordination and balance through jumping, kicking, throwing and rolling. In Primrose classrooms, teachers provide physical activities for kids to explore their environment and play with toys, giving them the freedom to find their own way of completing tasks. ? 

Objects your child can balance and throw, like soft foam blocks, are great to keep around the house to help your teetering toddler practice balance and strength. Try these activities at home: 

• Block Balance:?Give your child a soft block to balance on different body parts. Ask questions like, “Can you balance your block on your hand? On your leg? On your foot?” This exercise not only strengthens their balance and focus, but also helps their memory as they learn the names of body parts. 
• Lift and Toss:?Place several foam blocks on the ground in front of your child and spread several small boxes or baskets around the room. Model how to pick the blocks up and toss them into the containers. When all the blocks are in the baskets, help them empty them and start again. 

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten 

The Primrose Thumbs Up! program focuses on more complex physical activities for kids in Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten, refining agility and motor skills through running, skipping, catching, volleying and dribbling. Teachers give cues to help children perfect the mechanics of their movements. 

Use these tips to help your child practice proper form at home: 

• Best Foot Forward:?As your child learns to throw a ball, gentle cues can help prepare them for sports teams. If they are right-handed, encourage them to step forward with their left foot and release the ball. If left-handed, they’ll use their right foot. 
• Find Your Center:?Remind your little one of helpful movements to improve their balance. For example, when they’re walking across a balance beam, holding their arms out straight from the sides of his body will improve their stability. 

Kindergarten and Beyond 

As your child becomes more mobile and masters the ability to run, skip, throw and catch, there are many activities you can do together to keep active and prepare them for healthy habits throughout their school years.  

If your child isn’t quite ready for or interested in?organized sports, try these activities at home: 

• DIY Obstacle Course:?Create an obstacle course together. Some ideas include: chairs to crawl around or under, pillows along the course to crawl over, a cardboard box tunnel or a stomach slide through a doorway. Get creative! 
• Balance as animals:?Balance bean bags or similar items on different body parts and move like an animal while balancing them. For example, ask, “Can you move like a tiger while balancing the bean bag on your back?” 

Every day is filled with opportunities for your child to develop a healthy body and positive habits, and it’s never too early for them to start! Visit the?Stories & Resources page for more helpful tips and explore our?Balanced Learning® approach to learn how Primrose nurtures healthy habits for kids.