While the hot temperatures continue, the outside play does not have to stop! There are many water activities that can also incorporate gross motor skills so your child can continue to grow physically during summer time! Below are a few examples of ways to incorporate water with play!
- Duck, Duck, Splash!
How to Play: Have the kiddos sit in a circle. Pick one child to be “it” and hand them a cup of water. Have them go around the clinic tapping each head while saying “duck, duck…” until they pick the kiddo they want to have chase them. Once they are picked, pour the cup of water on them and say “splash!” The person splashed is now supposed to chase the “it” person until they make a full circle or get tagged.
- Water Balloon Baseball!
How to Play: This is very similar to regular baseball, but instead of a ball, you use a water balloon! Have the pitcher throw a water balloon to the batter. If the batter hits the balloon (and it will most likely break) the batter should run the bases and the pitcher is to chase them while trying to tag them. Each batter gets 3 water balloons!
- Water Balloon Target Practice
How to Play: Use sidewalk chalk to draw circles with different point values on the ground. Fill up a bunch of water balloons and place them all in a bucket. Have your child squat down and reach for a water balloon and then stand up tall to throw the balloon at one of the targets. Be sure to keep points tallied up to see who wins!
Don’t let the summer heat stop the fun! If you have any concerns for your child’s gross motor skills, please contact TEAM 4 Kids to schedule a physical therapy evaluation.
