![](media/image1.png){width="1.4in"
height="0.9291666666666667in"}**Active Play**

Group Education Lesson Plan

January 2001-February 2001

**[[Objectives:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

1.  Participants will be able to identify at least two ways their 2-4
    year old child can be physically active.

2.  Participants will be able to identify three benefits of
    developmentally appropriate activity for 2-4 year olds.

**[[Materials:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

-   Participant\'s chart

-   Fit WIC Tracking Sheet

-   Active Play Overhead Transparencies

-   Active Play Goal Sheets

-   Fit WIC Calendars and Stickers

-   Beach ball (to use as an example)

-   *Pre-school Play* Brochures (English and Spanish)

-   *It\'s Fun to Play Everyday* coloring book (English and Spanish)

-   Materials for Activity Section (see below; milk jug scoops, foam
    balls, bean bags, empty box or laundry basket, masking tape).

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-   Foam balls to distribute to each participant

**[[Discussion:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

*5 minutes*

**Transparency 1:**

> Today we will be talking about active play for 2-4 year olds. Active
> play for 2-4 year olds are activities that get your child up and
> moving.

**Transparency 2:**

> **Active play is important because it helps kids to:**

-   Learn how to use their muscles

-   Get along with others

-   Learn about the world.

**Transparency 3:**

**Active play is important because it helps kids to:**

-   Stay healthy. Active kids may sleep better and are more likely to
    keep a healthy weight. Kids that learn how to be active as kids are
    more likely to be active adults.

-   Feel good about themselves and what they can do. Plan activities
    that are right for your child\'s age and development.

-   Bond with family members. Playing actively with your child can
    create special memories for you and your child.

**Transparency 4:**

> **How does your 2-4 year old like to be active?**
>
> Ask participants to [pick a card]{.underline} (see cards in packet)
> that illustrates how their child likes to play actively. Provide a
> blank sheet in case participants want to draw their own. Discuss the
> cards parent pick. Invite participants to share examples. Below are
> some ideas of what might be included in your discussion.

-   **Dancing to music**- Dancing is an easy way for you and your child
    to be active. All you have to do is turn on the music and move.

-   **Jumping**- Kids like to try to jump over items or from place to
    place.

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-   **Helping with housework**-Helping around the house teaches children
    responsibility and respect. At this age kids can help dust
    furniture, carry laundry, and pick up toys.

-   **Toss and catch games-** This helps your child learn hand-eye
    coordination

**Transparency 5:**

> Children are *naturally* active. It helps them grow and be healthy.
> Too much TV can sometimes teach kids not to be active. TV does not
> teach children how to use their muscles. Kids that watch a lot of TV
> are more likely to be overweight than active kids. **It is important
> to plan at least 30 minutes of active play each day.**
>
> Let\'s look at some easy ways to help kids be active.

**[[Activity:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

*4 minutes*

> Do 1-2 of the activities below with parents and/or children or ask
> volunteers to demonstrate activities.

**Milk Jug Catch**

> *Materials needed:*
>
> Clean empty plastic milk jugs, small foam ball or bean bag.
>
> *To do ahead:*
>
> Cut the bottom off of an empty plastic gallon milk jug to use as a
> catcher. Save the end with the handle. Cover cut edges with tape. Make
> a catcher for each player.
>
> *To play:*

1.  Child places the ball or bean bag in the catcher and throws it up
    and then catches it.

2.  Child throws the ball underhand to the parent. The parent catches it
    and throws it back.

**Laundry Basketball**

> *Materials needed:*
>
> Ball, bean bag, laundry basket, whistle or other noise maker, empty
> box or clean, empty trash can.
>
> *To play:*
>
> Have parents/children practice tossing a ball or bean bag into the
> empty laundry basket. After a whistle or drum has sounded, children
> may gallop, skip, or side-slide to retrieve their object. Children can
> be instructed to throw in different ways. (e.g., overhand, underhand,
> right hand, left hand, etc.).

**Jumping Activities**

> *Materials needed:*
>
> Sponges, masking tape, or colored paper.
>
> *To play:*
>
> If using tape, place a line of masking tape on the ground. Practice
> jumping over the tape tape. To jump correctly is to jump with both
> feet together and land with both feet together. How many jumps can you
> or your child make?

**[[Goal Setting/Monitoring:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

*5 minutes*

-   Help parents set goals for their child\'s physical activity during
    the next two months using Fit WIC Active Play Goals Sheets.

-   Distribute Fit WIC Calendars and show parents how to record days
    when their child is active for at least 30 minutes.

-   Complete Fit WIC Tracking Form for each participant.

-   Remind parents that they should bring their calendar to their next
    WIC appointment. If they have met their Fit WIC goal, they will get
    a toy for their child.

**[[Summary]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

*1 minute*

**Transparency 6 & 7:**

> 1\. Kids need active play for their growth and development.
>
> 2\. Plan at least 30 minutes worth of active play for your child each
> day.
>
> 3\. Record how your child plays actively in your Fit WIC Calendar.
>
> 4\. Bring your calendar to your next WIC appointment.

**Ask if there are any questions. Give each parent a foam ball to use at
home doing some of the class activities.**