Physical Activity at Home for Children Ages 3 - 5 Years

Safety While Supporting Someone

  • It is vital to know the prior and current health conditions.

  • Collaborate with your child's Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Primary Doctor to monitor changing medical needs and monitor times for movement.

  • Refer to the 'Providing Support' page for fading prompt hierarchy and picture communication symbols.

  • It is essential to know how the person best communicates and to be attentive to their communication via words, vocalization, facial expression, body movement, assistive technology, picture communication symbols, or actual objects.

  • It is better to stop if you believe your child is experiencing discomfort beyond what the support should be providing.

  • Take water and rest breaks as needed

  • If injury does occur, call your health provider or 9-1-1 immediately

The IEP Should Guide The Practice

To help you plan your activity choices at home, review your child’s IEP before starting. Specific things to look at on the IEP are:

  • Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)

  • Supplemental Aids, Supports, Services, and Program Modifications

  • Goals and Objectives

  • Prior Progress Reports

These areas will help you plan for a fun and productive time at home.

Curriculum Skills

  • Crawling

  • Sitting

  • Standing

  • Reaching

  • Grasping/Releasing

  • Body Rolling

  • Kneeling

  • Scooting

  • Pushing/Pulling

  • Body Identification

  • Imitation

  • Body Positions

  • Speed (Fast/Slow)

  • Senses

  • Personal Space

  • General Space

  • Directional Movements

  • Relationship to Object (Over, Under, In, Out, Around, Through, On, Off, Near, Far)

  • Walking

  • Marching

  • Running

  • Jumping

  • Hopping

  • Galloping

  • Pre-Sliding

  • Pre-Skipping

  • Pre-Leaping

  • Twisting

  • Bending

  • Stretching

  • Squatting

  • Throwing

  • Catching

  • Kicking

  • Rolling an Object

  • Bouncing an Object

  • Striking

  • Muscular Strength

  • Muscular Endurance

  • Cardiorespiratory Endurance

  • Flexibility

  • Nutrition

  • Agility

  • Balance

  • Coordination

  • Power

  • Speed

  • Self-Exploring Movement

  • Isolated Body Movement

  • Sequenced Movement

  • Movement to a Beat

  • Movement with Objects

  • Group Dance

  • Balance

  • Body Rolling

  • Body Positions

  • Weight Transfer

  • Climbing Over/Under Obstacles

  • Tricycle/Scooters

  • Swings

  • Climbing

  • Slides

  • Self-Directed Play

  • Yoga

  • Self-Awareness

  • Social Awareness

  • Self-Management

  • Relationship Skills

  • Responsible Decision Making