Fun Cleaning-Themed Obstacle Course & Movement Activities for Kids | Active Play Lesson

Get kids moving with this fun cleaning-themed physical activity lesson! Includes warm-up stretches, an exciting obstacle course (sponge squeeze, dust bunny hop, window wipes, broom slide, tidy toss), and a cool-down. Perfect for preschoolers and toddlers to develop gross motor skills, coordination, and balance while having active fun.

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Materials Needed:

  • Sponges (dry or slightly damp)
  • Soft cloths or rags
  • Lightweight buckets or baskets
  • Optional: Child-sized broom or mop (or pretend ones)
  • Optional: Upbeat music
  • Optional: Small, soft items to represent 'dust bunnies' (like cotton balls or pom-poms)

Lesson Activities:

Warm-up: Cleaning Stretches (5 mins)

Let's pretend we're getting ready to clean!

  • Wipe High: Reach up high like you're wiping the tallest shelf. Stretch both arms!
  • Scrub Low: Bend your knees and pretend to scrub the floor in circles. Keep your back straight!
  • Sweep Side-to-Side: Stand with feet apart and twist your body gently side to side, like you're sweeping.
  • Dusting Wiggles: Wiggle your fingers, hands, arms, and whole body like you're shaking out a dusty rag!

Main Activity: Clean-Up Obstacle Course! (15-20 mins)

Set up simple stations around the room or outdoors. Play some fun music!

  1. Sponge Squeeze Run: Place a bucket at one end and a slightly damp sponge at the other. Run to the sponge, pick it up, run back to the bucket, and squeeze the sponge over the bucket. Repeat 3 times. (Focuses on running and hand strength).
  2. Dust Bunny Hop: Scatter some 'dust bunnies' (cotton balls/pom-poms) on the floor. Hop or jump over them without squishing them to get to the next station. (Focuses on jumping and coordination).
  3. Window Wipe Waves: Stand in one spot and make big circles with both arms, pretending to wash a giant window. Do 10 big circles forward and 10 backward. (Focuses on arm movements and coordination).
  4. Mop/Broom Slide (or Walk): If you have a child-safe mop/broom, pretend to mop or sweep across a designated area. If not, just slide your feet across the floor like you're gliding on a freshly mopped surface. (Focuses on balance and leg movement).
  5. Tidy Up Toss: Place a basket or bucket a short distance away. Gather the 'dust bunnies' or other soft items used and practice tossing them into the basket. (Focuses on hand-eye coordination).

Go through the course 2-3 times, cheering and encouraging movement!

Cool-down: Slow-Motion Tidy (5 mins)

Time to slow down. Let's do some slow-motion cleaning.

  • Slow Wipes: Slowly reach up high and wipe, then slowly reach down low and wipe. Take deep breaths.
  • Gentle Sweeps: Gently sway side to side like a slow sweep.
  • Put Away Power: Help put away the sponges, cloths, and buckets slowly and carefully.

Well done, Clean Up Crew! You worked your muscles and helped make everything tidy!