Play in Hills

Hills are found almost everywhere, and they are as diverse as they are numerous. Hills are great for children of all ages to play on. Some children enjoy crawling upwards, while others master running down at high speed. Remember that activities should be joyful and take place on the children's terms.

Tips for activities:

• Play different animals while jumping up and down in various ways (with feet together, like a jumping jack, with short hops).
• Walk like a bear with your hands on the ground. What other animals can walk, crawl, or slither across the hill?
• Let the children walk and run up and down the hill, perhaps while playing tag.
• Explore different ways to move up and down: on tiptoes, on heels, with deep strides or light steps. Play crabs and walk sideways up and down, try with both your right and left side first.
• Pretend someone is in an upside-down land and walks backward up and down the hill.
• Roll down the hill. Does anyone get dizzy?

Challenge: Hop on one foot up or down the hill. Try both right and left feet.