Learning Goal: Discover how active play helps your body and brain grow—and find fun ways to move
every day.
Have you ever pretended to be a hopping frog? Danced to your favorite song? Rolled, climbed, or chased
bubbles?
You were doing more than having fun. You were giving your growing body something it needs: movement!
Active play means using your body while you play. You don’t need a fancy playground or a team uniform.
You can turn a safe space and a little imagination into a movement adventure.
Your Body Learns Through Play
Think about learning to catch a ball. At first, it might bounce right past you. With practice, your eyes and
hands learn to work together.
Jumping, reaching, throwing, and balancing help you practice controlling your movements. These skills
help with everyday adventures, too—like climbing stairs, getting dressed, and joining a playground game.
Active play supports healthy muscle, bone, and movement development. (who.int)
Try it: Toss a soft ball gently to a grown-up. Can you catch it with two hands?
Movement Builds Strength
Your muscles help you push, pull, lift, and move. Your bones support your body.
Activities such as climbing playground equipment help strengthen muscles. Running and jumping help
strengthen bones. Different kinds of play give your body different ways to grow stronger. (cdc.gov)
Being strong doesn’t mean being the fastest or winning every game. It means practicing what your body
can do.
Ask yourself: “What movement would I like to practice today?”
Your Brain Benefits, Too!
Movement isn’t just for your arms and legs. Physical activity can also support children’s thinking and
learning. (cdc.gov)
Try a game of follow-the-leader. You’ll use your brain to watch, remember, and copy each movement.
Can you follow this pattern?
Reach up. Clap twice. March in place. Freeze!
Now make up a pattern for someone else.
Play Helps You Practice Friendship
When you play with others, you get chances to take turns, explain rules, and work together.
Maybe your friend throws differently than you do. Maybe someone needs more time or a different way to
join in.
You can ask:
• “How can we make this game fun for everyone?”
• “Would you like another turn?”
• “Should we try it together?”
A good game makes room for different abilities. Walking, wheeling, seated dancing, and adapted games
can all be part of active play.
Give Screens a Pause
A video can show you someone dancing—but you can try a dance yourself!
After a screen activity, ask:
“What can I do away from the screen that gets my body moving?”
You might have a dance party, play catch, or explore outside with a grown-up.
You don’t have to stop enjoying technology. Make room for adventures beyond it, too.
How Much Movement Do Kids Need?
Children ages 3–5 need opportunities to be active throughout the day. Children ages 6–17 should get at
least 60 minutes of activity that makes their heart beat faster each day. Those minutes can add up
through different activities—you don’t have to do them all at once. (cdc.gov, cdc.gov)
Ask a grown-up to help you choose activities that fit your age, abilities, and health needs.
Try a Movement Adventure!
Choose three activities today:
• Animal adventure: Hop like a frog or stretch like a cat.
• Dance party: Move to a favorite song.
• Balloon game: Keep a balloon in the air with a grown-up.
• Outdoor explorer: Walk or wheel along a safe path.
• Follow-the-leader: Take turns choosing movements.
• Playground fun: Climb, swing, or play a game suited to your abilities.
Choose a safe space, drink water, and rest when you need to. If something hurts or you feel unwell, stop
and tell a grown-up.
Think, Talk, and Grow
1. What is your favorite way to move?
2. What new skill would you like to learn?
3. Who could join your next movement adventure?
A Faith Question
God, how can I enjoy moving and caring for the wonderful body You have given me today?
Words to Remember
“I don’t have to move like anyone else. I can play, practice, and grow in my own way!”
Your next movement adventure doesn’t have to be big. Start with a wiggle, a reach, or a playful step—and
see where the fun takes you.
Launch your Graphy