s.m.a.r.t. at home

“Go outside and play!” 

Parents, far and wide, have long since used this phrase. Do you find yourself saying the same thing to your child?

There are an endless number of benefits to playing outside, from physical movement to fresh air to a boost of vitamin D. We are strong advocates of playing outside and know you can provide a little extra vestibular stimulation when you suggest these S.M.A.R.T.-type activities:

• Jumping into a pile of leaves
• Rolling down a hill
• ​Spinning in circles
• Hopping over lines or from object to object
• Swinging on swings

Younger children can do these activities with little to no help. Older children can do them independently and may enjoy the challenge of doing them consecutively like an obstacle course. Here in Minnesota, October offers a long weekend for MEA (Minnesota Educator Academy conference). So it may be a perfect time to tell your child(ren) to be S.M.A.R.T. and go outside and play!