Fun obstacle course to challenge ballance

A fun way to transition between activities is by doing an obstacle course.  When going from table top work to circle time, or vice versa, have the kids go via obstacle course.  It not only entertains them, it can build their gross motor skills while allowing them the movement time they need during their school day to be able to learn most effectively.  Studies show that children need time between sedentary learning times for gross motor to allow them to concentrate and to learn better.  Try these ideas, or make your own obstacle courses.  Ideas can be: crawling through a tunnel, hopping over an object, stepping up and down a stool, scooter boards and catching and throwing balls. 

Have the kids jump on the bubble wrap to make cool popping noises.

Patterns and textured games for feet!

Try using things around the house to make patterns, like colored cups, nuts and bolts, fruit loop cereal, or small toys! Scour the clearance section of craft stores for things like these textured foam pieces. We used magnet strips to turn it into a matching sensory game for the young students' feet on the side of a filing cabinet!