Combining Learning and Physical Activity to Help Kids Grow! 

All kids learn differently. Some kids find it easy to sit and focus on the task being taught while other children learn better with a hands-on approach – something to keep them engaged as they are taking in the information. Learning is fun, but sometimes we have to find ways to help our kids make those connections. It’s also important as our kids start back to school to keep them active. Many children are involved in sports and get physical education at school, but as parents and caregivers, we have opportunities to come alongside their teachers and coaches to make sure they stay strong and healthy, too. 

Outside of providing kids nutritious options for meals and snacks, taking daily vitamins, practicing good hygiene and getting a good night’s sleep, we can find ways to also improve their overall health through staying active. Whether it be during the summer months into fall where they can still play outside, or finding a way to keep them on the move during the colder months, we can be creative to find ways to combine learning and physical activity to help kids grow both physically and developmentally. 

Learning and Staying Active Through Play

My own kids love playing games, and playing games provides a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to work with their children on what is being taught at school while also making it fun and keeping them active. Most of these ideas can be done both inside and outside – weather permitting. One way is to put them on a scavenger hunt. Give them clues based on a subject matter, a favorite book, etc. This will get their little brains thinking but also keep them excited. At the bottom of each clue, you can add something such as hop on one foot 5x or do 10 jumping jacks before moving on to find the next clue. 

Another fun game would be Simon Says. You could mix it up between learning and movement with sayings like, “Simon Says jump like a frog 7x,” or “Simon Says what is the sum of 20+10?” 

Red Light, Green Light would be another option. Start out saying “Green Light” and let them run or walk until you say “Red Light.” Whoever is in the lead – if you have more than one child playing – gets to answer a question first. You can then make up your own rules. Maybe for every correct answer you continue to say “Green Light” as they make their way towards the finish line. 

An obstacle course is another fun way to combine learning and physical activity. This would definitely be one geared towards outside, but as your child makes their way through one obstacle you ask them a question before they continue on to the next. During the warmer months, you could play with water balloons. They can try to walk with a water balloon on top of their head. If they make it to the designated spot without the balloon falling, your child gets to answer a question. You could also toss the balloon and your kid(s) can answer a question when they catch it. 

Of course – all of the games would be based on age/grade and what your child is currently learning, but that is what also makes it fun for you as the parent/caregiver. You can be creative and make up the game as you go based on what your child is interested in and what you know they will enjoy playing and learning about most. 

Online resources

During the winter months, you can typically find fun videos to keep your kids moving, too. On YouTube, you can find brain break videos with a variety of themes from Super Mario to Inside Out 2 to Bluey and Minions. For example, the Super Mario brain break videos seem as though the kids are actually in the game. They are jumping and moving side to side. There are lots of fun, kid-friendly videos you can find to keep your kiddos on the move. This allows them to get their wiggles out and are great alternatives to do during school breaks or snow days when they are home and just need to let some energy out. 

Learning by Example 

Children watch their parents/caregivers, so it is also important for us to lead by example. If they see us exercising, they might want to exercise right along with us. Whether that be taking a walk or going for a run, doing agility exercises, or lifting weights – depending on age – we have the opportunity to teach them the importance of staying strong through physical activity ourselves. This can also open up conversations about the benefits of exercise. 

If you have a book on hand, you can then go a step further to read about how our bodies benefit from movement. Usborne has a book called, “Look Inside Your Body” that discusses your muscles and bones, why your heart beats, etc. Our local library is filled with books you can check out to read with your child about how to take care of themselves and the importance of health and wellness. 

Let’s continue encouraging our children as they grow with opportunities to help them learn and stay active while having fun doing both!