Thanksgiving is a very special holiday, often associated with turkey, football (for some of you!), and time spent with loved ones. It can also be an incredibly chaotic day between meal preparation and ensuring children burn all their energy off before sitting at the table. We know that it can be a challenging task since children have limitless energy! This is why it’s crucial you prioritize movement and play beginning early in the day to calm their bodies and set them up for maximum success. Below we have a few tips and tricks to share that children will absolutely enjoy, and adults will find quite simple!
Tip #1: Play a game. Need an activity outdoors? Spice up a game of tag by adding jumping jacks or squats. Not only does this keep a traditional game interesting, but it also requires extra energy and strengthens gross motor skills. Another option is a game of memory, with a twist! Instead of just flipping cards, level it up and have the children compete against one another. If they don’t turn over two matching cards, add in movement such as lunges or star jumps. Plus, you can create your own memory cards or download the ones we’ve created from our Resources for Parents page. In addition, this game can be played both indoors and outdoors!
Tip #2: Get a shot of nature. After a big meal, the whole family can go on a Scavenger Hunt! Besides making it a family affair, it secretly promotes developmental skills such as motor planning, executive functioning, and visual awareness, which all translate to stronger reading, writing, and math skills. There’s also a great deal of flexibility in what to include in your scavenger hunt, but if you need assistance, we’ve created one for you! Even better, use those pauses in conversation during the meal to list the items you want to find on your hunt.
Tip #3: Turn any space into an obstacle course! We personally LOVE these because they can be created using anything, even just a roll of tape. As well, children can create their own, especially if they’re older, which fosters independence and confidence. If you’re not entirely sure what materials you can use, we have several freebies that offer helpful guidance on our Resources for Parents page.
Tips #4: Get them to help
Get more deets on tips #4-6 on our YouTube channel. See it here.
Memory Cards
Memory is a great way for children to practice and strengthen working memory, a classroom necessity. Even our youngest friends can play a game like this, but it is more fun when it is multi-generational. Plus, when you add in movement, you might get Crazy Uncle Bob and Gramma to do jumping jacks!
Get our Memory Cards here.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Burn off the chocolate pie and sweet potatoes with a walk that will get you thinking!
Get your ideas here.
