Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to understand the importance of health and physical education through engaging in backyard activities.

Materials and Prep

• Backyard space
• Toy balls
• Water bottles
• Comfortable clothing and shoes

Before starting the lesson, make sure the backyard is safe and free from any hazards. Also, ensure that the toddler is dressed appropriately for physical activities.

Activities

• 1. Warm-up exercises: Begin the lesson by doing simple warm-up exercises like stretching, jumping jacks, and toe touches. Explain to the toddler that warm-up exercises help prepare our bodies for physical activities and prevent injuries.
• 2. Ball toss game: Set up a target using a bucket or a drawn circle on the ground. Encourage the toddler to throw the toy balls into the target. This activity helps improve hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
• 3. Obstacle course: Create a simple obstacle course using household items like pillows, hula hoops, and chairs. Guide the toddler through the course, encouraging them to crawl under, jump over, and maneuver around the obstacles. This activity promotes balance, agility, and spatial awareness.
• 4. Water break: Take a short water break to hydrate and rest. Explain to the toddler the importance of drinking water to stay healthy and energized.
• 5. Nature scavenger hunt: Go on a nature scavenger hunt in the backyard, looking for items like leaves, rocks, and flowers. This activity helps the toddler connect with nature and learn about different elements of the environment.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Exercise is important for our bodies. It helps us stay strong and healthy."
• "We warm up before doing physical activities to prevent injuries and make our muscles ready."
• "Throwing balls into a target helps us practice aiming and coordination."
• "An obstacle course is like a fun challenge that makes our bodies move in different ways."
• "Drinking water keeps us hydrated and gives us energy to keep playing."
• "When we go on a scavenger hunt, we can find interesting things in nature and learn about them."