Around the Town

PLAYGROUNDS

Playgrounds are great places to take preschoolers whether they are complex or toddler playgrounds, there are always things to work on.

Challenge their balance by walking on a balance beam, curb or railroad tie. Sideways is easiest and then progress to walking forward then backward. Support them with two hands, then one hand and finally encourage independence.

Slides: slides are good for postural control and balance. Some children are uncomfortable going down the slide independently and may need to first start by being in a train (sitting in front of you with your legs around them). You can hold them from the side of the slide as they go down. Progress to catching them at the bottom and then to independence.

Hanging from the monkey bars or any bar. Hold your child at the waist and support him or her as much as they need. Over time back off how much you are helping until they progress to independent hanging. We do not expect preschoolers to do monkey bars independently but some older preschoolers can. If your child wants to and is ready work on hand to hand for 2 bars first. Progress the number of bars as well as moving from hand to hand to one hand per bar.

SURFACES

Walking on uneven surfaces is important for balance. Woodchips can be challenging as can hills. Hills are also good for strengthening.

Walk on snow in the winter or sand in the summer.

At home make uneven surfaces by placing pillows (can even be couch pillows) on the ground and have your child walk on them.

Try snowshoeing.

RIDE A BIKE

Go on a family bike ride on the weekends around a school, to the playground, on the carriage lane of Commonwealth Avenue.

APPLE / PUMPKIN PICKING

Fall is a great time for apple picking

• Encourage your child to reach up on his/her tiptoes to grab the apples and also to bend down and search low. Many farms also have playgrounds like Lookout Farm in Natick.
• Pick up various sized pumpkins to work on strength and balance as you move them from place to place.
• Walk on various surfaces at the farm. - Carry apples in both hands.

HIKING

• Blue Hills has some nice trails for preschoolers. There is one that has some animals to look at and the Trailside Museum where it begins.
• Walk around a reservoir or small pond.
• Walk in the neighborhood and go on a treasure hunt. Look for colored leaves, pine cones and acorns in the fall. Look for sticks or crunchy leaves in the winter etc.
• Walk around Cold Spring Park. It is a mile and a half long and feels like a wooded adventure.
• Walk along the Charles.
• Have your child walk up a small hill him/herself.
• Look for walking paths near you.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

1. Turn on some music and dance.
2. Take a gym class or a music and movement class.
3. Swimming is a great strengthening activity.
4. Gardening is a good activity for bending, squatting, upper body strength and moving while holding objects in your hand. You can dig, push a wheelbarrow, rake, carry potted plants and gardening items. Use a watering can to work on balance, coordination and strength.
5. Make an obstacle course at home.
6. Carnival activities in the backyard with your neighbors or family. Try wheelbarrow walking, crab walking, big step and little step races. Jump like a frog, throw balls into a laundry basket.
7. Adaptive skiing- Check area ski resorts.

For more recreational activity ideas, locations and clubs please see:

1. www.newtonma.gov/parks.

2. Franciscan Hospital resource guide on Adaptive Sports and Active Recreation Guide at www. Franciscanchildrens.org