Pet Movement Games

Physical development activities build healthy habits, gross motor skills, and body awareness essential for learning.

• Framework: IPC
• Unit: Pets
• Learning area: Physical Development
• Level: Infant & Toddler, IPC Level 1, IPC Level 2, IPC Level 3

Objectives

• Follow simple safety rules during gross motor activities
• Demonstrate increasing physical competency through varied activities
• Understand that physical activity is necessary for healthy living
• Build muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility

Materials

• Open space (indoor or outdoor)
• Balls, hula-hoops, Frisbees, beanbags
• Jump ropes
• Cones for obstacle course
• Parachute

Instructions

Create multiple stations for pet-themed physical activities, rotating children through each experience. Begin with basic locomotor practice (walking, running, hopping, jumping) as children move 'like different animals.' Set up an obstacle course that simulates a pet adventure: jump over a rope like a cat, toss a beanbag into a bucket like a pet playing fetch, do five jumping jacks like an excited puppy, kick a ball into a goal like a playful dog, and zig-zag through cones to the finish line. Incorporate jump rope activities with a rope wiggling along the ground like a snake for children to jump over. Use old pillowcases for sack races and spoon-and-egg (or potato) races for balance challenges. Conclude with indoor parachute play, where children work together to raise and lower the colorful parachute, building cooperation and upper body strength.

Educator tip

Play upbeat music during physical activities and incorporate pet-themed songs for transitions.

Assessment

Observe students' safe participation, developing physical skills, and increasing endurance throughout activities.

More from Pets

• Animals Are Living Things
• Baby Animals and Parents
• What Do Animals Eat?
• Kinds of Animals
• Counting Dog Bones
• Pet Shapes Exploration
• Pet Patterns
• Pet Families in Order