Silly Running
Here's What To Do
1
Find a space where you can run. Mark a 'start' and a 'finish' line. Before you begin, notice how you're breathing.
2
Run a race against your child, trying a different way to use your arms each time. Compare which is the easiest:
- Pump your arms back and forth (like you would naturally)
- Arms down by your sides
- Hold arms out away from the body like a letter "T"
3
Try some more silly running races like, like:
- Skipping
- Running backwards
- Running sideways
- Running in a zig zag instead of a straight line
- Running while holding hands with someone
- Spinning in a circle
- Whatever you can think of!
4
Notice your breathing now, and talk about it with your child.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- "Notice how you're breathing before we start running. Are you breathing fast or slow? Let’s keep paying attention as we play!
E
Engage:
- "We're going to try some silly ways to run. Let me know how you’d like to run first and then we can race!"
- "What do you think, how was running that way different?"
E
Encourage:
- "It was pretty tricky to run that way, huh? Your body is learning how to do all these cool moves, and sometimes you'll need to practice."
- "Whew! I feel tired too. That's great because that means our bodies are getting stronger and healthier."
R
Reflect:
- "Notice your breathing now. How has it changed? Why do you think it might be good for your body to practice running?"
Not quite ready?
Some children may not yet have the coordination to do the silly running. Focus on running normally, and time them to see if they can beat their fastest times.
Ready for more?
Try the silly running for a longer distance to increase stamina.
As your child masters this skill...
They will learn a fun way to move their body and increase physical endurance.