Take the elements out of the equation – Sal McKeown sings the praises of holding an indoor sports day at your nursery…
I first heard about indoor sports days from an Australian teacher. Here, we usually opt for an afternoon outside, late in the summer term, and then worry that it will coincide with a monsoon.
Australia is different: rain rarely stops play, but they’re acutely aware of the dangers of heat, sun and even fires.
With the benefits of outdoor time well known, you might instinctively reject this approach. But instead of seeing an indoor sports day as second best, look at the advantages.
Nursery children are at different stages of physical development. Indoors means you’re closer to toilets and potties.
You can shut the doors, so there’s less chance of anybody wandering off, and some equipment (e.g. skittles) works better on hard floors.
Some nurseries have storage furniture on castors that can be rolled back against the walls, leaving a large, clear space in the middle of the room.
If this isn’t big enough, the school hall might be available (if you’re a PVI setting, check out church halls and venues that host children’s parties).
Pick the date and time. Keep it short and sweet! Younger children might need a nap, so try a sports morning, followed by a quieter-than-usual afternoon, with a medal ceremony and official photographs at the end of the day.
One disadvantage of being indoors is the windows. Don’t let overexcited children loose with a tennis ball or football. Use foam equipment and insist that other balls are rolled, not thrown.
There may be a budding World Cup star in your class, but this isn’t the day for talent spotting!
Bean bags
Bean bags are brilliant. Try a walking race where the children complete a circuit with a bean bag on their head.
Give medals to the first across the finishing line and to whoever has the lowest score for dropping the bean bag. Differentiate so younger ones have a shorter race.
“Toss the bean bag” is like bowls. Set a target or “jack”, and the winner is the child whose bean bag lands closest.
On your marks…
An obstacle course is always popular. Include things to climb over or through or go round. Add in some hoops that children must pass over their heads.
A “spider race” is when children go down on all fours but with their knees off the ground; this could be for the older children, with a crawling race for the little ones.
Older children could also try walking backwards round a circuit.
Balloon skills
Play keepy-uppy! Divide children into mixed-age teams; they need to work together to keep a balloon in the air.
Give one penalty point each time it hits the floor. The teams with the fewest points are the winners.
A “balloon stomp” is a favourite party game. The aim is to burst the most balloons in 10 seconds (many children cry when they hear a balloon bursting, so keep this for older children).
If things are getting too hectic, play statues, where children stand totally still for 10 seconds. Weed out those who move, and when you’re down to the final three, up the ante to 20 seconds.
Take aim
A number dartboard with adhesive balls works well for young children. Whoever gets the highest score wins.
Skittles are also fun. If you don’t have enough, fill empty plastic bottles with sand. Let little ones stand nearer.
Finally, what sporting contest is complete without a cheerleader routine? The simplest one I’ve found on YouTube is led by Coach Jason Mitchell.
Be warned, the chant will live on in your head long after sports day is over!
Keep the event short. Plan to have a break in the middle of proceedings so children can calm down and rehydrate.
Ready to help. Make sure one member of staff is responsible for scooping up children who are overexcited or upset and taking them to a quiet corner.
Celebrate in style. Forget the stickers and go for glitter! Think gold, silver, and bronze rosettes or sashes. If you buy or make medals, use elastic or stretchy ribbon for safety.
Sal McKeown is a freelance editor and journalist.
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