Toddler Movement Games to Play

Parachute Games

• Parachutes serve as the basis for a variety of movement games ideal for toddlers. They are available in a variety of sizes, allowing groups of all sizes to play.

  Start with simple parachute games, such as having the children move it up and down together or walk in a circle while holding it to resemble a carousel. Add foam balls to the middle to play a popcorn game by shaking the parachute to make the balls bounce. Most parachutes have a hole in the middle, allowing you to play a game that encourages rolling the balls on the parachute and through the hole.

  Encourage the toddlers to think of new games to play with the parachute once they become familiar with it and how it works.

Freeze Dance

• Freeze dance offers a fun movement game for toddlers. Collect a variety of musical recordings to inspire different types of movement. Choose some slow music and some faster beats. Throw in music from other cultures to expand the horizons of the toddlers.

  While the music plays, the kids dance using the music as inspiration. Give each child a ribbon or scarf to wave as he dances for additional movement options. When the music stops, the kids freeze where they are standing. Most versions of the game eliminate anyone who moves after the music stops. Toddlers may become upset by being eliminated, so you can leave out that element if you wish. No elimination also keeps all of the kids engaged and active, which prevents misbehavior.

Animal Parade

• Transform the traditional "Follow the Leader" game to take on an animal theme. This movement game not only improves the motor skills of the kids, it adds the educational element of identifying animal movements.

  Line up the toddlers and start moving around the room like a particular animal. For example, you might stomp your feet and use your arm as a trunk to imitate an elephant. The toddlers follow your lead and move as elephants in a line. Change the animal periodically, modifying your movements to imitate the new animal. Add the sounds made by the animals for added fun. Let one of the toddlers take over the lead once they get the hang of the game.