Many adults view exercise as an unpleasant chore. This is not so for young children. You will find that your toddler enjoys exercise just as much as any other movement and dance activities. In fact, he may be even more enthusiastic if he feels that he is doing a grown-up activity.

Hopping Home

This exercise activity will also help your child learn to follow directions. If your child is learning how to count, you can ask him to hop a specific number of times toward the home base.

• Define a home base area. You can use an area rug or draw a square on the sidewalk with chalk. Also define a starting place for your child.

• Your child must ask permission to hop to the home base. Each time, he gets to hop or jump once.

Track and Field

These tried-and-true games have been modified for even the youngest of athletes.

• Add challenge to running races by adding hurdles. For the very young, use flat markers instead of raised obstacles to jump over. A carpet square remnant or even a paper bag can be used for this purpose.

• Masking tape or chalk lines can be made to indicate a long or broad jump challenge.

• Be creative. An old Frisbee can become a discus, and a beanbag makes a great shot put.

Jump!

Young children often seem to have boundless energy. This activity will help them burn some of that energy and help them develop large motor skills.

• Play lively instrumental music and have your child jump up and down. You can show older children how to do jumping jacks.

Pumping Cardboard

Toddlers love to imitate. Here is a chance for them to pretend to be bodybuilders.

• Cut small holes in the center of each of the paper plates. Fit the plates on the ends of the paper tubes to make barbells.

• Let your child decorate his barbells.

• Show your child how to imitate some bodybuilding poses as he lifts his “weights.” Creative Movement Who says you need music to get children moving and grooving? Creative movement activities help your child develop motor skills as well as balance and coordination.