let's get moving!

Fun with flat field dots!

Playing games with multicolored flat field dots, also known as colored flat cones or markers, can be loads of fun!

You can use them for so many activities and games indoor and outdoor!

I’ve made a list of some of our favorites (16 so far) and will happily add all of your great ideas to it.

But first, let’s talk about why it’s so important to get those little ones moving (for them and you!).

Jump, skip, and play: the benefits of keeping kids active!

In a world where screens seem to hold an irresistible allure for kids, getting them up and moving can sometimes seem like Mission: Impossible. But there are lots of fun ideas out there to have some fun through movement.

And here are just a few reasons why encouraging kids to shake, shimmy, and strut their stuff can lead to smiles all around:

Happy hormones galore:

Have you ever noticed how a bout of physical activity can turn even the grumpiest of moods upside down? That’s because exercise triggers the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. So, whether it’s a game of tag in the backyard or a spontaneous dance party in the living room, those giggles and grins are a testament to the power of movement-induced joy!

Strong bodies, strong minds:

It’s not just muscles that get a workout when kids get moving; their brains do too! Studies have shown that regular physical activity can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and boost academic performance. So, by encouraging your little ones to hop, skip, and jump, you’re not just building strong bodies – you’re nurturing sharp minds too!

Social butterflies in the making:

Remember the days of recess camaraderie and playground pals? Those moments of shared laughter and friendly competition are invaluable for developing social skills and fostering friendships. By providing opportunities for kids to engage in active play, you’re setting the stage for meaningful connections and lifelong memories.

Sleep tight, sleep right:

For a lot of us, sleep is one of the trickiest subjects of parenting (who would have thought). But regular physical activity can contribute to better sleep quality and duration in kids. So get them moving and they’ll be counting the adventures of the day as they snooze away peacefully.

Healthy habits for life:

Perhaps most importantly, instilling a love for movement early on sets the stage for a lifetime of health and wellness. By making exercise a natural part of daily life, you’re equipping kids with the tools they need to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally for years to come.

So, whether it’s a game of hopscotch, a scavenger hunt, or an impromptu game of “Simon Says,” let’s keep those kiddos on their toes and their hearts full of joy.

After all, the world is their playground, and every leap brings them one step closer to a brighter, healthier future!

And while you not necessarily need any tools or toys to get those little ones running and jumping, one thing I did not regret buying are our multicolored flat field cones (or dots or markers).

Here are just a few ideas of what to do with them and I’ll keep on adding:

Color race:

Spread out the dots on the floor. Call out colors, and have the kids run to the corresponding dot as quickly as possible. This not only gets them moving but also helps with color recognition.

Color scavenger hunt:

Spread out the dots on the floor (inside or outside). Tell your kids to find something that matches the color and to put it on the dot.

Tapete do movimiento:

This one is not screen free, but so fun! Go on Youtube and type in “Tapete do movimiento”. You’ll have a couple of videos popping up you can try.

You’ll only need to set up 4 dots (red, yellow, blue, green) on the floor in the order you see on the start screen. Then let your little one jump to the colors they see on the screen, while you do your chores or have a coffee.

Simon Says:

Play a colorful version of Simon Says using the dots. For example, “Simon says touch the blue dot” or “Jump to the green dot”.

Memory Game:

Place several dots of different colors on the floor or table. Touch several of them and see how many dots your little one can remember in the right sequence. Just don’t forget that you’ll have to remember it too.

You can make it more difficult by not only remembering the color, but also which hand or foot to use.

Target practice:

Use different-colored dots as targets for throwing games. Kids can toss beanbags or balls to try and hit specific colors, improving their aiming and throwing skills.

Obstacle course:

Lay out a path of colored dots on the floor and challenge your child to navigate through them like an obstacle course, hopping from one color to the next.

Field goal:

Take the flat cones to the park or backyard, grab a ball and use the dots to mark the goal.

Dot dash:

Place several flat field dots in two lines, spaced a few feet apart. Have the kids run from one dot to the next in a zigzag as fast as they can, like they’re dashing through an obstacle course. You can time them to make it a fun challenge!

Dot relay:

Divide the kids into teams and place flat field dots at one end of the field or space and a bucket or container at the other end. Have the teams race to pick up one dot at a time and run it back to their team’s bucket. The first team to collect all their dots wins!

Hopscotch remix:

Create a hopscotch grid using different colored dots instead of numbers. Call out a color, and your child must hop to the next dot of that color in the sequence.

Dot maze:

Set up a maze using flat field dots as markers. Have the kids navigate through the maze, weaving in and out of the dots, and challenging them to complete it as quickly as possible.

Dance party:

Scatter the dots around the floor and turn on some music. Encourage kids to dance around, stepping on different dots as they move. This activity is great for burning off energy and fostering creativity.

The floor is lava:

Let your kids pretend the floor is lava and let them build bridges from one end of the room to the other, using the dots.

Musical chairs:

Let me tell you, using the dots for playing musical chairs is way easier than using actual chairs! Plus, you can easily bring your flat cones to the park to play.

These games are simple, engaging, and can be adapted to suit different ages and skill levels.

Plus, they’re a great way to get kids moving and having fun indoors or outdoors!

9 inch colored flat field cones

These are the flat field dots we have and love!

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Fun with flat field dots!

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