5 Practical ideas for physically active play - BHF National Centre ...

Physically active playChasing and energetic gamesThe following games are suitable for largerspaces or outdoors.Corner game– Four colours designated to four corners.Children run to that corner when the colour’scalled out.Beans game– Children find a space.– When you, or a child, calls out one of thefollowing ‘beans’ the children respond withcorresponding actions:• jumping bean – jump up and down• runner bean – run on the spot or in a circle• beans on toast – lie down• broad bean – make a wide shape• jelly bean – shake and wobble around• string bean – stand up tall andreach up high.– For older children – add more beans andactions, eg:• chilli bean – shiver and shake• frozen bean – stand still• bean sprouts – stand on tiptoes and makeyourself as tall as possible• bean casserole – children all join hands andwalk around in a circle.Traffic lights– Children stand in a space.– When ‘green light’ is called the children runaround the activity area.– When ‘red light’ is called out everyonestops still.– When ‘yellow light’ is called out, children walkaround on tiptoes.– You could hold up coloured scarves or cardswhen you call out the colours.For older children – challenge them by changingthe activity they have to do when ‘yellow’ is calledout, eg, skip, march, hop, jump, move sideways.Stuck in the mud– Children stand in a space.– Choose a child to be ‘it’.– When this child touches someone else, theyfreeze and stand with their feet apart.– The only way to ‘unfreeze’ this child is foranother child to crawl under their arms.– The game continues until everyone has beenfrozen, or when someone has been frozen threetimes and becomes ’it’.Rough and tumble play– Children of this age typically get involved inthis type of play, eg, play fighting and wrestling,where children are enjoying themselves butdon’t get hurt. This type of play is importantas children learn and experiment with theparameters of ‘acceptable’ physical behaviour.It’s important to supervise this play closelyto know if and when you need to intervene.62 Early movers – Helping under-5s live active & healthy lives