Movement Activities To Boost Children’s Happiness And Resilience
When we are developing our little one’s movement vocabulary, did you know you are also helping them to build resilience??
Movement doesn’t just nourish the body; it helps us take our minds off our worries and builds our little one’s resilience to handle life in a positive and balanced way. Being physically active encourages the brain to release the ‘happy hormones'.’?
Physical activity is important for children and adults in nourishing the body and brain. Children need a movement vocabulary to become physically literate. Being physically literate enables them to participate in physical movement and exercise. This is not just important for their physical health, but for their mental well-being and resilience as they grow and develop.?
Imagine your body as a busy city, bustling with tiny superheroes whose job is to keep you feeling happy and strong. These superheroes are called 'happy hormones'. Their role is to help you, and your children, stay resilient and full of positive energy.?
Movement Activities With Superhero's
Let's meet them!?
Superhero Dopamine This superhero likes to achieve, master, and be praised for its efforts. When you learn something new, like mastering a cool dance move or solving a tricky puzzle, your brain throws a party and releases dopamine! It's like receiving a high-five from your brain, telling you, “Great job!” or “You are amazing!”??
Encourage your little explorers to learn and try new things, as this helps to make their brains extra happy.?
Superhero Oxytocin This superhero likes collaborating, playing, and making friends. Have you noticed how much fun it is to spend time with friends or help someone out? That's because your brain sends out oxytocin whenever you connect with others.??
Encourage your little explorers to share, listen, and work together as they make friends, as it boosts their oxytocin levels.?
Superhero Serotonin This superhero rewards you when you look after yourself. When you eat yummy, healthy snacks and get plenty of sleep, your body feels strong as it makes your brain release serotonin, AKA the wellness warrior!??
Encourage and educate your little explorers to fuel their bodies with nutritious food, getting enough rest, and staying active to keep their serotonin levels soaring.?
Superhero Endorphins This superhero loves to jump for joy. Have you ever felt super happy after laughing hard at something? Or when you are running around playing games? That's because your brain releases Endorphins, the joy jumpers when you're active and having fun!??
Encourage your little explorers to be active, whether running around with friends, dancing, or giggling at silly jokes. Help them keep those endorphins flowing for a happy, healthy, and resilient mind.?
Remember, these superheroes work best when you give them plenty of chances to come out and PLAY.?
Here are a couple of practical activities to help you, and your little Superhero's pop on their capes and masks!
Superhero Dopamine Party?
Objective: Encourage your little explorers to explore and master new movements. Celebrating their efforts boosts their Dopamine levels.?
Materials Needed:?
Movement Activity #1?
Warm-Up:?
Start with a simple warm-up. Play fun music and encourage your explorers to move and wriggle their bodies. Remember to demonstrate any moves you request. You are their Superhero role model! TIP: Coordinate warm-up to your dance moves as it helps them to master the movements in a fun way. Keep it light and engaging, helping them to understand the concept of warming up their Superhero’s muscles.?
Dance Moves:?
Show your children a few simple dance moves, that are age and ability appropriate.? All children can join in no matter their age or abilities.??
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Ideas: Stomping, twisting, wriggling, shaking, and don’t forget a Superhero pose.??
Demonstrate each move slowly, allowing the children time to watch, copy and practice.? This helps develop their movement vocabulary.?
Older children: create a movement sequence and include extension activities.?
Party Time:?
Once the children are comfortable with the moves, pop on the music and have a dance party.? Encourage the children to show off their new moves. Join in the fun, dancing with them and giving lots of high-fives and encouragement. Praising their efforts with positive reinforcement makes their Superhero Dopamine very happy.?
Cool Down:?
End with a cool-down session by playing calming music. Encourage the children to sit or lie down and relax – don’t forget to join them after all your dance moves.?
Superhero Endorphin Fun??
Objective: Encourage your little explorers to be active and have fun as you boost their Endorphin levels.?
Materials Needed:?
Movement Activity #2
Warm-Up:?
Start with a simple warm-up. Play fun music and encourage your explorers to move and wriggle their bodies. Remember to demonstrate any moves you request. Make it playful by pretending they are getting ready for a Superhero mission.?
Obstacle Course Fun:?
Set up a simple obstacle course using cones or markers, including jumping over small objects, crawling under a low bar, and running around cones.?
Demonstrate each part of the course and guide the children through it, ensuring they have fun while staying safe.?
Bubble Chase:?
Blow bubbles and encourage the children to chase and pop them. This playful activity gets them moving and laughing, releasing lots of Endorphins.?
Parachute Play:?
If you have a parachute, gather the children around it and play games like making waves, bouncing balls on the parachute, or having them run under it when it's lifted high. This cooperative play fosters joy and teamwork, further boosting their happiness.?
Cool Down:?
End with a cool-down session by playing calming music. Encourage the children to sit or lie down and relax – don’t forget to join them after all that running around.?
What are you doing today to encourage your little Superheroes to shine and make them feel good?