MOVEMENT
STOP & GO GAMES Encourage fun gross motor time with your kids! Play simple games that involve learning the meaning of 'stop' and 'go'. In addition to saying and/or signing the words 'stop' and 'go', consider making some simple signs to emphasize the instruction. You could make 'stop' and 'go' signs out of paper plates, paper, and green and red markers. Add a straw or popsicle stick to the paper plate/paper to make it easier to hold the sign. For an additional challenge, add a yellow sign for ‘slow’. Try out your signs with the following games:
READY, SET, GO! / RED LIGHT-GREEN LIGHT Stand in front of your child, and pretend you are the 'traffic light'. Say, "ready, set, go!" (or “green light!”) and hold up the green sign. Let your child crawl, walk, run, bike or jump their way forward until you say, "stop!" (or “red light”) and hold up the red sign. Adding a yellow sign to the game is a great way to introduce the concept of fast and slow. Once they understand the basic concept of ‘go’, ‘stop’ and ‘slow’, try to incrementally close the distance between the goal/reward and when you say “stop”. This is a fun way to challenge impulse control. Repeat as many times as you/your child has energy!
FREEZE GAME Play upbeat, fun music on a device that you can easily access with your hands to make the music stop and go. When the music is on say and/or sign, "go!" Dance around with your child, then stop the music and say/sign, "stop!". Try using favorite songs or music that will motivate your child to dance. You can use the stop and go signs for an additional visual reminder of what to do.
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