Combine this gross-motor skill activity with a science activity by creating a hypothesis about what type of ball can be kicked farther. Put a ball of yarn and a rubber ball in front of students and ask them which they will be able to kick the farthest. Will it be the lightweight ball of yarn or the bouncy rubber ball? Then let each preschooler have a turn to see which they can kick further. Discuss why one was able to be kicked farther than the other.
Sing the "10 Baby Kangaroos" song while kids follow along:
Ten baby kangaroos standing in a row
When they see their mama, they bow just so (have kids bow)
They kick to the left (have kids kick to the left)
They kick to the right (have kids kick to the right)
Then they close their eyes and sleep all night (have kids pretend to go to sleep)
(Repeat the poem, going down from 10 to one kangaroo)
Teach preschoolers basic soccer skills and then play a version of the original game. Have kids learn how to kick a soccer ball using the front, sides and back of their feet and how to run and dribble the ball with their feet all the way down to the goal. Each student gets a soccer ball and stands at one side of the yard. The teacher should stand at the other side of the yard and shout "green light" and "red light" as necessary so the students have time to dribble the ball a bit (during the green light) and then suddenly stop (red light). This is an excellent way to practice kicking while learning a new sport.
Have students complete a worksheet that has the letter "K" on it as well as things you can do while kicking. Have students trace the outline of the letter "K" and color it. Ask them to to draw kicking activities such as karate, kicking a ball or kicking into the air. This activity reinforces the kicking theme as well as teaches them a new letter.