Regular physical activity is an important part of raising healthy children. Stretching is an essential part of being active because it helps keep the muscles working properly. The benefits of stretching for primary-age children reach further to include aspects of health like increased energy and a toned body. Primary-age children that stretch regularly are also more likely to concentrate in the classroom. Try these stretches as some age-appropriate ones for children in the primary grades.
Butterfly Stretch
Have the children sit on the floor with their legs folding in front of them and the bottoms of their feet touching. Show the children how to pull their feet toward their body and encourage them to do so until they are not comfortable pulling them any longer. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Count out loud with the children to encourage participation, as well as practice some number skills. Ask the children to relax their legs and then repeat the stretch one or two more times to stretch the inner legs.
Tip Toe Stretch
Line the children up with plenty of room between each participant. Show children how to place their arms at their sides and put their feet shoulder-width apart. Demonstrate to the children how to stretch their arms up over their head as far as they can reach. At the same time, show them how to raise their body to their tip toes. Count together and hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat once or twice for a stretch that works the legs, arms and back.
Growing Stretch
Show children how to crouch down keeping their feet on the floor and their hands flat on the floor next to their feet. Demonstrate to the children how to slowly stand up, pretending as if they were a tree stretching towards the sun. Teach the children to reach their arms out to the sides to resemble tree branches and to tilt their head back slightly as if they were stretching towards the sun. Have them lower their body back to the starting position and then repeat the stretch one or two more times. This stretch works the legs, arm, back and neck.
Cobra Stretch
Have the children lie down on the floor on their stomachs. Show them how to raise their upper body by placing their elbows on the floor and then slowly raising their upper back, neck and head as if they were a cobra snake preparing for attack. Teach them to hold the stretch for 10 seconds, lower to the starting position and repeat once or twice. The cobra stretch works the upper and lower back, as well as the neck.
References
- "Teaching Children Physical Education: Becoming a Master Teacher; George Graham; 2008
- "Fitness for Children"; Curt Hinson; 1995
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