When you think of July, what comes to mind? In northeast Ohio, I definitely think HOT, HOT, HOT and humid!! July is the perfect time for long, lazy days at the pool. We thought it would be fun to throw a few pool activities for kids into the mix this week. Of course, not everyone has a pool or easy access to one. This game can be done using a simple and inexpensive baby pool or even a shallow container. Have your children kick off their flip flops and get those toes ready for an underwater adventure!
Looking for more ocean themed fun? Try this paper plate seashell craft!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Small pool or shallow container, marbles, a bucket
WHAT TO DO: Fill the pool with a few inches of water. Spread the marbles all over the bottom of the pool. Have kids sit on chairs or stools just outside the pool while placing their feet into the pool. Here comes the challenge — explain that the marbles are pearls at the bottom of the ocean that they need to collect using only their toes! Once practice a little and actually get the hang of it, have them lift up their feet and drop the “pearls” into the bucket. See how many they can get with each of their feet!
HOW TO CHANGE IT UP:
-For an added balance challenge, have your child stand beside the pool instead of sitting. They will have to rely on the stability of one leg while the opposite foot works to pick up marbles!
-If you have more than one child, make it a race — who can get the most marbles into the bucket?
-If grasping with their toes is too difficult, have your child use their toes to drag marbles to the edge of the pool and use their super fingers to pick each one up! But, make sure they are only dragging one at a time!!
-For an added gross motor challenge, place the collection bucket a little farther away! Can they hop on one foot while still keeping the marble safely in their toes until they make it to the bucket?
SKILL AREAS ADDRESSED: Strength, proprioception, sensory integration, gross motor skills, balance, motor control
photo credit: Andrew Morrell Photography via photopin cc – Text added
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