Duck-Duck-Goose is a classic moving activity game for young children. Instruct them to form a circle sitting "Indian-style" and extend their arms so that each child's fingertips just barely touch their neighbor's. One child selected to be the first "duck" walks around the outside of the circle and says "Duck!" as she passes each of the players. When she decides which player she wants to challenge, she exclaims "Goose!" The "goose" must jump up and catch the "duck" before she can run around the circle and get to the space where the "goose" was seated. If she does, the player who remains standing repeats the process and selects the next "goose."
"Simon Says" is a moving activity that develops concentration and memory skills. Using an open field or other spacious area, one person, usually the teacher, is "Simon." He gives the players a series of directions like "touch your toes." Those who perform any direction that does not begin with the words "Simon says" are eliminated from the game until one player is left standing.
"Hide-and-Seek" develops creative thinking while giving preschoolers needed exercise. It begins with one student, the "seeker," shutting her eyes and counting out loud while the other children hide. After the "seeker" counts to a designated number, she searches for the "hiders." Once a "hider" is found he too becomes a "seeker." The last one found is the winner.
Stretching is an activity preschoolers can be asked to perform every one or two hours to help increase concentration through stress relief. Make sure they stretch their arms, legs, abdominal muscles and back. The stretch break usually requires no more than five minutes.