A Fun and Creative Way to Get Your Kids Moving

Let's Tell A Story Ribbon Wand Style

Actions: (Do each movement for 15 seconds and then switch which hand is holding ribbon wand)

• Hike: March in place with elbows by sides and ribbon wand in hand.
• River: Move arm left to right while also moving the wrist left and right.
• Rainbow: Start with arm straight out on on side, wave wand over head, come back to start position.
• Rain: Hold arm in air in front of body while moving wrist up and down.
• Waves: Move arm up and down while moving it right to left.
• Catch a Fish: Start with ribbon wand over shoulder with elbow in front of body and “throw” the wand forward. (Don't let go of wand)
• Tornado: Start by head and make small circles while slowly dropping arm towards ground Once you get to your feet continue making small circles up to your head.
• Ride a Horse: Have child gallop around while using ribbon wand as a tail (moving their wrists up and down)
• Bird: Flap arms like a bird.
• Pick a Flower: Bend at waist forward and touch wand to ground, quickly stand up raising arm to the sky.
• Sun: Raise arm in front of body and make large circles.
• Skip through the Field: Skip in place while arm is behind. Rotate the wrist up and down.

Directions:

1. Create a ribbon wand with your child. (Find directions on our Motion Zone Page)
2. Help children write a story with the words above.
3. Have the children practice the movements to go with each word. Remember it is not as important that your child do the exact motions as it is that they feel comfortable and are constantly moving around.
4. Practice the story with them. Have them practice it by themselves.
5. When they get comfortable have them perform it for other family members.

Example story:

Sally decided that the SUN was out today so she was going to take a HIKE. As she began on her journey she came to a RIVER. So many colors along the way, so she decided to stop and PICK A FLOWER. As she SKIPPED THROUGH THE FIELD she decided that she would CATCH A FISH for dinner. She found a place where the WAVES were calm. All of the sudden though it started to RAIN. She watched the BIRDS suddenly go into hiding. Then she thought maybe more than rain was headed her way. Could it be a TORNADO? After a few minutes the RAIN passed and a RAINBOW appeared. She decided she better jump on her HORSE and head home in case it started up again.

Alternatives:

You can always add more movements and make the story longer. You also can have your child march the entire time to get more exercise. Get the whole family involved make it an after dinner march while exploring your child's creative side.

Kind Regards,
Lori Graham
Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach

Keep Kids Moving with Ribbon Wands

Materials:

1. Wood Dowel
2. Ribbon cut to preferred length
3. Scissors
4. Glue
5. Hot Glue Gun/Stick
6. Markers
7. Index Cards
8. Fruits/Veggies Magazine or Printed Cutouts
   

   
   

Areas Reinforced:

• Fruit/Veggie Recognition
• Creativity
• Movement
• Ability to follow directions
• Color Awareness
• Scissor Practice
• Gluing
• Pencil Holding

Directions:

1. Make pattern card by gluing the fruits and vegetables on one side of the index card. Underneath the picture you can draw the resembling shape for younger children. Explain to your child that fruit and veggies often times can resemble certain shapes or patterns. During this game they will use the ribbon wand to trace the shape of the fruit in the air. Examples are below:

• Carrot: Triangle
• Bell Pepper: Square
• Orange: Circle
• Watermelon: Oval
• Banana: Moon
• Apple: Heart
• Lemon: Diamond (Rhombus)
• Strawberry: Cone
• Carambola (Starfruit): Star
• Cucumber: Cylynder
• Pineapple: Rectangle

2. Let the child color the wood dowel however they would like. HINT: You can use this step to keep them occupied while you find pictures of fruits and vegetables for them to cut out.
3. Cut the ribbon the length that you want it to be. You will lose about 1-2 inches when gluing it on to the dowel.
4. Use the hot glue gun to attach the ribbon to the dowel. (If you don't have a hot glue gun there are several other options you could do, just use what is around your house) When gluing it start by applying glue to the top of the dowel. Stick the ribbon onto hot glue. Pull ribbon down and count to 10 before releasing. Take the ribbon and wrap it around the very top of the dowel, using little bit of hot glue in spots to secure it.
5. Have child draw a pattern card and trace the shape of the fruit or vegetable in the air. Repeat with each hand and then draw a new card. Continue until all cards have been drawn.

Keep the learning going:

While your child is tracing patterns you can take their learning a bit farther by asking them some of these questions;

• Have you ever eaten (Insert fruit or veggie)?
• What color is (Insert fruit or veggie)?
• Does (Insert fruit or veggie) grow in the ground or on a tree?
• What is the difference between a fruit and veggie?
• Can you name a (Insert Color) fruit or veggie?
• What's your favorite fruit or veggie?

Depending on your child you may have to modify the game a bit. That's okay just always keep it FUN!!!

A few alternatives you can try to mix it up is to have them do it to music or do a leg exercise while they are tracing the fruits and vegetables.

Kind Regards,

Lori Graham

Certified Health Nutrition Coach