3rd-5th Backyard Games and Fitness

We know many schools are sending home many on-line and hard copy learning opportunities this week. That gives us a chance to help you take a break and keep your body moving during the week in your own backyard! Enjoy learning and developing these ideas. After that, try to get 30 minutes to 1 hour per day of movement in your yard to go along with all of your at home learning.

Design Your Own BAckyard Obsticle Course

Use found items to create your own backyard obstacle course. Lay out different elements as you and your family navigate through them. After practicing each element, time yourself and track your improvement. Elements in a good course include the following items:

  • Hurdles

  • Crawl Under Features

  • Climb Over Features

  • Side To Side Agility

  • Forward Roll

  • Balance Beam

BAckyard Bowling Alley

Create your own backyard bowling alley. Materials can vary based upon what is available. Match your ball size to your pin size using the examples below as a guide. For larger items, bowl from farther away. Place sand or water in the bottom of your containers to make the pins act like real bowling pins. Set your alley up and keep score just like real bowling.

  • Soccer Ball and 2L Soda Bottles

  • Softball and 1 L Soda Bottles

  • Tennis Ball and Soda Cans

Ultimate Hopscotch

In this activity, you will use your brain to later boost your body. Using chalk, create your own version of hopscotch. Make a design sketch using different shapes and patterns. Your course does not have to be a straight line or have perfect squares for landing spots. Instead of numbers, place physical challenges into your landing spots such as the ones below.

  • Stand on One Foot

  • Hop 5 Times

  • Whistle A Tune

  • Twirl Around

  • Do Jumping Jacks

  • Make Up A Dance

Climb a Tree....SAfely

Tree climbing is a fun activity that can be relatively safe with a few considerations. Most kids are able to engage in sensible climbing. That means that they self-limit their height risks with their own abilities. If you or your child is that ultimate risk-taker, you may want to include some additional guidelines. Use the tips below to minimize risk and have fun.

  1. Choose your tree and check with a parent: Look for a tree that is straight and thick at the base. Avoid trees that are learning, have bark missing, or rotten areas at the base.

  2. Choose Your Tree Type Wisely: Maples are the best with oaks being a close second. White pine trees are okay if they are very large and the branches are well developed. Most pine trees are very sticky and the branches are brittle so they should be avoided.

  3. Find a Sturdy Branch Before Moving: Look up and find a sturdy branch to grab before you move up to the next level. If there is no sturdy branch in reach, you have maxed out your tree. Is it time to build a tree house here? Ask a parent for help!

  4. Use the Rule of Three: At all times during the climb, it is most safe to have three parts touching the tree. Any combination of feet and arms attached to the tree adding up to three will ensure the safest experience.

  5. Climb Down the Same Way: When climbing down, put your feet on branches you used on the way up as they have been tested.

  6. Each Climber Chooses: If climbing with siblings, avoid pressuring them to go higher. Each person should be able to judge where their peak is. In fact, it would be better to encourage others to avoid going higher rather than trying to push them!


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