CCRR Library News, June 2021

---

Gross Movement

Often when we think of how children express themselves, we forget that there are times their expression comes from big body movement! There are some big movements that we may not acknowledge as expressive, a few examples are children jumping off a couch, rolling off the arm of a couch, or jumping and landing in a cloud of pillows.

The act of jumping and landing on pillows and/or feet is a part of children's natural development. Our big body movement resources are a great way to help sustain or extend a child’s journey with experimenting with their body limits. The idea to experience big body movements falls under the orientation schema. The urge to hang upside down and/or jump are examples of this.

Our Early Learning Lending Library offers multiple resources that will support you and the children’s quest into big body movements as a part of your everyday explorations!

Wobble Boards (Half Moon) 32166 - These are great for big body movements, children can practice balancing when you set upwards. They can also practice jumping off, or lay their body on the curve of the boards to gently rock back and forth. You may want to see how you can incorporate open-ended materials to let children make obstacle courses for themselves. 


Wobble Cushions 16086 – the spikey cushions are great for playing as stepping stones, invite children to walk on them with shoes, socks than bare feet. You can discuss how it feels on their feet! Ask open-ended questions to get children to test the length of their jumps “I wonder what will happen if we space them out!” 





 

Sensory Bin 13711 & Mats 31234 Our sensory bins are perfect for big body movements! Different textured materials are open-ended for play, allowing children to use their imagination. Working with a small group of children, encourage them to create a game, or simply just use the sensory materials however they feel best fits their needs.

Our mats are great for landing! Children can jump, roll, stretch and test their bodies on a safe surface.

Scarves 22134 – Scarves are a great invitation for movement, children love to dance and often wrap themselves in materials. Scarves can be taken outdoors so the children have the freedom to explore them in multiple ways with a breeze or while running. Recycled cardboard tubes are great for infant/toddlers as they can watch the scarves move through the tubes. You may also want to create a sensory bin with various recycled scarves and textured cloths.







Yoga Spinner Game 13547 – This a great game for children 5+! It is easy to follow because it is visual. Children will build independence and confidence as they stretch and work as a team with their peers. Yoga is a big body movement exercise that improves strength, balance and flexibility! It is also a great activity for infant/toddlers to help them have a smoother transition to sleep time.     

Swing and Catch Cups 15617 – Organized sports and games are amazing for children’s social development, self-confidence, and a fun way to work on sportsmanship and creating new friendships. Invite children to create their own games and rules. This game is also great for practicing eye-hand coordination. 


Bean Bag Activities 16359 – Our resource comes with a bean bag activities CD, offering a series of games, dances and activities that develop rhythms, coordination, listening skills and language.  After listening to the CD, you can see which one the children seem to like the most – you may want to ask the children how they can create their own game using ideas from their favourite song or activity.



Combine!
As always our resources are open-ended and invite you and your children to find creative ways to mix and match resources to ensure you are meeting children’s creative needs and gross motor development!

Please email [email protected] or call the Tri-Cities CCRR at 604-931-3400, or Burnaby/New Westminster CCRR at 604-294-1109 to book an appointment for curbside pickup and drop-off.

Because learning should be fun! Check out the Early Learning Library Catalogue for a full list of resources that are available for borrowing!




Written by Sadaf Soheilsayar, Outreach Consultant at the Tri-Cities CCRR.