Stay Moving! Student Summer Move Suggestions

 If your student receives physical therapy in school, you know they are moving throughout the school year. Between PT, gym class, recess, and other classroom activities, it is comforting to know your student is moving their body 5 days a week.

Now that the summer is here, you may wonder what options you have to keep that movement going. While most children can be sent outside without instruction and will find activities to do and peers to do them with, not every student is capable for such independence. This blog looks at some options for parents to keep their student moving even in the summer.

Activity: Sunrise/Sunset Walks

Action: The summer heat can be a lot for most of us, however the day is cooler at sunrise and sunset. Taking a family walk during the coolest part of the day is fun and healthy for everyone. Taking a walk around your neighborhood is relaxing, it can be a great way to add learning (identifying plants and animals), and a perfect time to have conversations and allow your child to discuss what is on their minds. You can create a scavenger hunt to find birds or plants native to your area, or you can have your child count the number of red doors on houses you pass. Either way, walking is one of the best exercises and walking in your neighborhood or in your local park are great ways to pass the time.

Cost: Free

Activity: Playing in the Park

Action: Most local parks have safe playground equipment that adults can safely get on. Depending on your child's cognitive and physical abilities, driving or walking to your local park and allowing them to use everything they safely can will encourage muscle strengthening in all body areas. Climbing, sliding, running, and walking will provide a fun full body workout for your child. If your local park does not have playground equipment, this is still a great place to walk, run, and play any game you can make up.

Cost: Free

Activity: Indoor Obstacle Course

Action: Many school-based PTs use an obstacle course in the school setting. It encourages students to use various muscle groups to improve strength; challenges their bodies to improve balance and coordination; and is fun so students enjoy participating in the activity. You can create an obstacle course using simple things around the house. Place two dining room chairs back to back with a sheet over the back of the chairs and have the chairs a few feet apart creating a tent or "cave". Your child will have to squat down, possibly commando crawl to get through, (it's also a great place to just hang out). Next you can place canned goods in a pattern that your child will have to negotiate around. You can lie a broom down that your child will have to jump over. Look around your home and find items that your student can easily jump over, walk around, or crawl under and set it up in any available space. Have fun and be creative!

Cost: Free

Activity: YouTube Videos

Action: While popping children in front of a screen is not always ideal, YouTube offers great ways to get your student moving! Just do a search for things like "Exercises for Children", "Yoga for Kids", and "Dancing for Kids" and watch the video first to see if it's appropriate for your child. Have fun!

Cost: Free

Talk to your child's doctor, Physical Therapist, or school representative if you think your child may benefit from physical therapy services. Talk to your child's doctor or PT before starting a new exercise routine.