By the time children are four years old, they can control their walking and running speed on their own and are able to perform more complex body movements such as skipping and hopping on one foot.
Many teachers may be thinking about incorporating activities that let children move their bodies to the fullest during this period of significant motor development.
So this time, we’re introducing circuit play ideas recommended for four-year-olds.
From activities that use equipment like horizontal bars, vaulting boxes, and mats to those that let children move while enjoying an imaginative world—pretending to be animals or avoiding “dangers”—we’ve gathered circuit play ideas perfectly suited to the development of four-year-olds!
These activities can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, so please use them as a reference.
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Fun circuit play for 4-year-olds: movement activities using a balance beam, mats, and more (1–10)
vaulting box
Circuit training combines different exercises in a sequence, but it might be a good idea to modify it so that even with the same setup, individuals can choose what to do.
For example, with a vaulting box, you could climb on top and jump down, or leap over it.
Letting people freely perform various techniques they’ve come up with makes it more fun, and watching others can expose you to techniques you didn’t know.
Coming up with new moves also trains the brain.
By providing options, people can enjoy exercising without feeling stressed.
Mat play
Circuit play, where you connect pieces of equipment and move through several activities, lets children enjoy exercise without getting bored thanks to its variety.
Here, we introduce a circuit that uses only mats.
First is the mat wall climb, where a mat is placed at an angle against a step; this builds climbing strength.
Next is a jump from a vaulting box onto a mat.
You can also lay a mat near a wall for wall-walking handstands, and create a slide with an inclined mat.
With a bit of creativity, you can set up many different kinds of activities.
Pool stick crossing
Pool noodles, which are so useful during pool season, are also perfect for circuit play thanks to their lightweight, colorful look made from polyethylene foam.
They cut easily with a utility knife, which makes them very convenient to use.
If you slice one lengthwise and place the cut side down, kids can have fun and get excited walking along the rounded top, trying to keep their balance.
The soft texture feels pleasant on the soles of the feet, and they also make great markers—“Try going to the blue one,” or “Start from the red one,” and so on!
Cardboard caterpillar
Cardboard pieces joined together transform into a caterpillar you can crawl inside and play with! Just prepare some large cardboard boxes and tape them together for an easy build.
We also recommend making several and holding a relay or race.
Since kids move forward on their knees, dress them in clothing that covers their knees to prevent scrapes and injuries.
And because the child inside can’t see ahead at all, be sure to supervise closely to prevent them from bumping into walls or colliding with other caterpillars.
hopscotch
Kenpa is a game that has been played since long ago, but nowadays many children may have never tried it, partly because it’s considered dangerous to play in the street.
However, this game is said to improve physical abilities: it strengthens the legs and hips, trains the core, develops the ability to switch between standing on one foot and on both feet, and cultivates a sense of rhythm—making it a highly recommended exercise.
It’s easy to set up by linking or drawing rings, drawing squares with chalk, or scoring them with a stick on a playground.
Give it a try and have fun!
horizontal bar
There are many different bar tricks, so when exercising on the horizontal bar, don’t limit yourself by deciding, for example, to do just one forward roll.
Try to freely enjoy a variety of skills.
By watching what others are doing, you can expand your own repertoire and may even come up with new moves.
There are also lesser-known skills such as the “swallow” and the “futon-drying” pose, so it might be good for parents or teachers to occasionally explain techniques that children don’t know.
In any case, the important thing is to become friendly with the bar and to feel like trying all sorts of things.
balance beam
The balance beam is known as a piece of equipment used for exercises that involve moving forward while maintaining balance or striking poses.
When it’s used at a kindergarten sports day, it’s recommended to incorporate it with some creative variations.
In addition to walking straight across it, you can also use it as an obstacle to jump over while facing sideways.
Set a number of jumps to complete, and allow children to move on once they meet the target.
Be sure to prepare a beam that’s as low as possible to ensure safety.
This is an event that can be done even in a limited space, so be sure to give it a try.
