Stretches are an important part of any warm-up routine. Stretching slowly warms muscles, increasing range of motion and decreases injuries. It is important to emphasize the benefits of stretching to children early so they develop a habit of stretching as a part of their warm-up routine. Stretches for children are similar to those of adults. Have the children sit on the floor with their legs together. They should reach toward their toes as far as they can. Another stretch is done by pulling each straightened arm across the body using the opposite arm. Instruct the children not to force their bodies beyond a comfortable position. They should also not bounce as they stretch. Make the stretches fun by adding music so the kids look forward to this portion of the warmup. If it is fun, the children will focus on their stretches.
Individual warmsups are activities a child performs on their own without the assistance of their classmates. An example of this is children jumping rope. Have the children jump rope for short intervals. Add fun to this warm up by having them jump rope in the form of the common children's game "Red Light, Green Light." More individual warm-up activities would be jogging, dribbling a basketball and jumping jacks.
For partner warmups, children are paired up with other students to complete warm-up activities. These types of warmups are good for children because they are warming up muscles and they are also getting opportunities to build social and teamwork skills. "Toe Dancing" is a warm-up activity in which two students face each other and hold their hands palm to palm. Upon your signal, each person will try to tap their toe on the other person's foot. Each time the player successfully accomplishes this they earn one point. At the end of a pre-determined interval, the player with the most points wins. You could also have each players team up and pass a basketball to each other. Anything that teams kids up will be fun for them so that warmsups do not feel like work.
Making games of things is fun and exciting for kids. Have kids mirror the actions you perform, such as standing on one foot, running in place and kicking. Play a game known as "Beans" or "Mother May I?" in which you call out commands and the kids perform the desired task. Create cards that display pictures of common gym equipment. Have students run around the gym matching the card to the equipment. Reward students with less laps later or an early release.