Simple jumping with toddlers is fun for the children. Toddlers are beginning to jump with one or both feet off the ground and this skill can be fascinating. Gather children in a group and encourage them to jump together. Children who have not yet mastered this skill will need a wall or low shelf to help keep their balance. They will place a hand on the wall and move their feet one or both at a time.
Play music and move with the children. It doesn't matter how toddlers dance, it only matters that they move about in an active manner. Dancing is a moderate activity because it does not require an excessive amount of energy or skill. This activity makes children move and helps strengthen the developing leg muscles. Dancing also improves circulatory health and respiratory health in toddlers.
Toddlers are beginning to swing their feet forward with intent to move a ball on the floor. Provide toddlers with balls and encourage them to kick the balls. When a child connects with and moves the ball, congratulate him and ask him to chase the ball. Kicking a ball is a suitable toddler activity because it is simple, requires a moderate amount of effort from the child and helps the child use a new skill.
Children at the toddler stage are beginning to follow one-step directions. Play an active game to get the children moving while practicing this social skill. Pat your head, bend to touch your toes, place your hands on your knees or march in place. Encourage toddlers to do what you do and follow you in the activity. Keep the actions energetic to uphold the moderate activity level. Bounce while completing activities or set the game to music to make the game more physical.