This month Preschool 1 has focused on working our large muscles. With the addition of a gross motor area in our classroom, the preschoolers and educators have found different ways to utilize this area. Finding new and exciting material to add has been challenging but we have managed to make the area a fun, safe zone to move our bodies! We have an exercise bike where children take turns riding as fast as they can. The trampoline is also a big hit in our classroom, children have fun showing each other how high they can jump. Our imagination has also expanded while using this area as educator Melissa helped some preschoolers make a tunnel out of chairs and bed sheets. The children had also found fun ways to use the balance boards and stepping stones in our gross motor area. We’ve also expanded our large muscle activities to our outdoor play by building with large wooden blocks.
While doing these activities the children discover their ability to move and explore their environment in a safe way. By using and developing our gross motor skills, the children learning to avoid falls, be more mindful of their surroundings, and safely navigate risky play. As we develop these skills, the educators set out more difficult activities for children to explore. The children learn to take risks to develop their physical abilities such as jumping, balancing and running.
We will continue to incorporate different materials and new activities to encourage children to developed their coordination, balance and strength.
