728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
Get Pregnancy Information
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Play Time › Let's March!

Let's March!

Developing Motor Skills, Physical Fitness and Fun Through Marching

By Donna Smith

Pages:  1  2  3  

Clark offers these activities:

  • Make your own marching streamers. Let your child help you glue two paper plates together so they are sturdy. Cut a hole out of the center, creating a doughnut shape. Let your child glue or tape ribbon, crepe paper or strips of paper to the paper plate. Your toddler can wave the streamer as he or she marches.
  • Play some Sousa marches or other loud music. Have your child march around the room. When the music stops, your child "freezes" in place. When the music begins again, your child continues marching.
  • Here's a great way for parents to relax while toddlers march. Simply sit in a chair and tell your toddler, "Can you march to the refrigerator?" After they reach the refrigerator say, "Now I'd like to see you march to the TV room and touch the green chair." Your child marches all over the house while you get a few minutes to rest your feet!
  • Try going outside and marching around the neighborhood. Your toddler exerts extra effort and might just take a nap. While you're outside, incorporate some learning activities. Say something like, "Let's walk to the mailbox." "Now let's march to the blue car." "Time to walk to the street light." Continue to alternate walking and marching, which helps your child develop listening skills.
  • Find an area that has some space to move. Play a game of follow-the-leader, where you march and your child follows you. Try marching with your hands on your head, march while crouching down low and march sideways. Then let your child be the leader.

Pages:  1  2  3  


Want to see more?