Indoor Marching Game

Physical activity becomes fun as young children delight in this simple marching game.

Skills Learned: Following Directions, Body Awareness, Large Motor Development, Leadership Skills

Supplies:

• Masking Tape
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Music

Directions:

1. Mark the path of a marching route on the floor with masking tape. (A circle or oval patter will keep it simple and safe for younger children and for those with special needs).

2. Using Construction paper, cut out large squares, circles, rectangles, etc. Place those symbols along the marching path.

3. Choose and play music with a marching beat.

4. Ask the children to join you as you march in place to the music.

5. Instruct the children to follow you around the marching route. When you arrive at a symbol along the path, make up a fun physical activity that the children must stop and follow; then continue marching. (e.g., at the red circle, lead the children in doing 3 jumping jacks. At the yellow triangle, hop on one foot four times. At the blue square, jump from side to side five times, and so on.)

6. When the song ends, repeat the activity to a new song. This time, choose one of the older children to lead and to decide on the physical activities she/he will lead the children in when she/he arrives at each symbol.

Tips for Mixed Ages:

Toddlers and up will enjoy this activity. Children with specials needs can partake in the march according to their abilities. If a child can’t complete a certain physical activity, ask her/him to choose on she/he can do.

A production of KCET/Los Angeles in association with Sesame Workshop. A production of KCET/Los Angeles in association with 44 Blue Productions, Inc.