January 8, 2021
Do your New Year’s resolutions include reading more or being active? Get the best of both worlds with children’s books that encourage movement!
You are reading: Picture books about movement
many children’s books encourage physical activity such as dancing, walking, stretching and more. Physical activity has many benefits for a child’s overall physical and mental health and can:
- increase the child’s ability to concentrate
- improve sleep quality
- help regulate their emotions
- strengthen muscles
- refine coordination and dexterity
Check out these 5 kids’ books to read and get moving!
1. head to toe by eric carle
can you move like a crocodile or stretch like a cat? Head to Toe by Eric Carle explores a variety of moves while encouraging kids to try them too.
This story highlights very specific movements that your child may not often see or try, helping them discover more ways to explore their body and its abilities. this can lead them to discover a new skill, increase flexibility and strengthen different muscles.
The more kids explore their abilities, the more likely they are to find a form of physical activity they enjoy, leading to healthier exercise habits that can carry into adulthood.
read eric carle head to toe here:
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Expand this story by creating new moves of your own! add an extra challenge by trying to isolate your body parts, like wiggling your little finger, tapping your toes, or lifting your knee while keeping the rest of your body very still.
2. Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig
dancing feet by lindsey craig is a great book to read and get moving. try stomping really hard and slow like an elephant or tiptoeing fast and quiet like a ladybug!
Dancing at different speeds can help your child get their heart racing, which benefits their overall physical and mental health.
read even lindsey craig’s dancing feet here:
Find more ways to improve your child’s physical literacy through song and dance!
3. sally nicholls’ book of buttons
sally nicholls’ book of buttons is full of buttons that make us wonder… what will the next button do? move along with the animals as they discover new buttons.
read along with the background book by sally nicholls here:
try creating some “buttons” of your own! for example: when you press a doorknob, everyone nods, or when you press your nose, the arms start to move. what buttons can you create?
4. pete the cat: i love my white shoes by erin litwin
Take a walk with Pete the cat as his shoes change all kinds of colors! This story is sure to get you moving as you walk with Pete and dance to his song.
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read alongside pete the cat: i love my white shoes by erin litwin here:
Add even more movement by creating a scavenger hunt to this story! Try to find objects and toys in your house that match the colors that Pete’s shoes change to. can you find something blue, red, brown or white in your house? Take a walk around your house (or even outside!) to find some items that match the colors of Pete’s shoes!
5. i walked by sue williams
It’s amazing what you can see on a walk. i walked by sue williams reminds us to explore our surroundings. Take a walk around your neighborhood and talk about all the things you see!
read along with i was walking by sue williams here:
Extend your walk by holding up some of the treasures your child finds to add to their playset. Check out 5 Ways to Add Nature to Your Child’s Play for some ideas!
What are some of your favourite children’s books that encourage movement?
Let us know in the bridgeway families facebook group!
For more ways to stay active, try these game ideas that get your child moving.
Find more book ideas with our article on choosing books for your child’s home library or check out these lists of children’s books that celebrate diversity.
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