Welcome to PTC Sports

Parents, we understand. We know how difficult it must be to keep kids inside for long periods of time. The combination of their energy and the lack of physical stimulation indoors can be quite exhausting. For everyone.

But no need for that!

During this lockdown or on a snowy, cold winter day, fight boredom with these indoor activities!

1. ABC Hunt

Ask them to think about objects around the house that start with each letter of the alphabet (Apple, Banana, Cup…). Give them 10 minutes to find them and put them inside a basket or a bag. This will not only exercise their body but also their brains!

2. Simon Says

Although this game has been around forever, it never gets old!

Ask your kids to do all sorts of movements (think about animal movements or dramatic actions). You can tell them to jump on one foot, run in place… Get creative!

3. Exercise videos

There are a lot of resources available online. You can find a lot of videos that will help your kids exercise while having fun and learning.

Here are some examples of YouTube channels and videos for getting your kids up and moving:

• Imoves: resources for teachers or parents that will help you develop a healthy routine for your children
• GoNoodle: This channel provides the greatest variety of get-you-moving videos for kids
• CosmicKidsYoga: Find Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation for kids. Interactive adventures which build strength, balance and confidence

You can find a wide variety of different channels and videos online, find out which one your kids like the best!

4. Lost island

Place some “islands” around the floor (use cushions, old newspapers…) and have your kids jump from one to the other without falling into the “water”. Every time they do fall, ask them to jump three times on one foot as an additional challenge!

5. Mirror Me!

Ask your kids to repeat all of your movements. Jump, stretch, run in place… the exercise doesn’t really matter as long as it keeps them moving (Parents can benefit from a bit of exercise too)! Make it fun by switching roles every 5-10 movements. Kids love it!

6. Balloon Games

There are all sorts of different games that can be played with a balloon. For example, hit the balloon up in the air and don’t let it fall on the floor. (Fun tip: you can use more than one to make it more interesting!).

You could also try placing a balloon a few inches higher than your kid’s arms reach. Ask them to try and tap it with their hand or their head. They will be sweating in no time!

7. Twister

Twister is a great exercise game. And it’s also a lot of fun! If you don’t have the game you can make your own in a few easy steps. Crafting a DIY is also a great way to get kids moving!

8. Parachute

Grab a throw, a sheet or a blanket and put some balls or balloons inside. Get the family involved!

Ask them to take a side and quickly move their arms up and down. The objective is to throw the balls out of the sheet without touching them. This will definitely increase their heart rate!

9. Exercise with obstacles

This idea is always really popular with kids and you can adapt it to your resources, space and kid’s preferences. Ask them to crawl under the bed, hop between cushions, roll on the rug, run around plastic cups…There is no need to purchase any equipment, a lot of items in your household are perfect for these obstacles’ games. Don’t be scared of getting creative!

10. Home basketball

Don’t worry… It’s not what you think. Basketball doesn’t need to be played with a heavy ball, you can use rolled-up socks or a soft toy! Grab a basket or a bucket and try placing it at different heights and distances. Set a timer and ask them to make as many baskets as possible or play basketball games like horse.

Challenge your kids and give them points based on difficulty!

These games will keep your kids busy, healthy and happy. Give these activities a try and you will be ready for any situation or weather!

Once again, we’re looking for new ways to keep children occupied whilst inside. With the importance of online learning and online fitness more important than ever, we’ve put together a list of why learning online might be more beneficial for your child.

Online Learning

Variety

The main benefit to learning in-person in the classroom is structure. Children have their set times for learning specific subjects, taking breaks and eating their food. However, this also comes with disadvantages, it is inflexible and can be difficult to introduce new, specific and relevant teachings.

With online learning, topics are more or less unlimited. The internet is your oyster with a multitude of options and topics for your child to choose and learn from. With an array of topics at their fingertips, they’re able to broaden their knowledge on a topic they’re already interested in or find a new subject that pique their interest.

Online Learning allows you and your child to create your own schedule. They can learn at a time that suits them, so if they’re motivated and have more energy in the morning they can learn straight after breakfast or if they thrive better in the afternoon, they can log on then. Learning online can be adapted to how they work and gives the opportunity for a flexible schedule.

Learning Style

Every child learns differently. Some thrive in the classroom, others in small groups or on their own. Some children prefer to learn by reading and others by watching a video.

With a multitude of styles of lessons to choose from, online learning is ideal for catering to any and all different learning styles.

If you haven’t found the perfect learning environment for your child, online learning may be the ideal solution for experimenting with different styles and finding one that works for them.

Online Learning is also self-paced, so your child can learn and work at their own speed, not having to compete with friends in the classroom.

Improved Technical Skills

We know kids are much more advanced than us when it comes to IT, however, online learning could further develop their skills for the future.

Being on a computer during virtual lessons can help children to learn new technical skills and become more efficient with the keyboard and applications. This past year saw many businesses turn to and stick to remote working. Having the knowledge of how to collaborate and learn remotely can be a definite plus in a future career.

Online Fitness

Choice

Just like online learning, not all children want to exercise at the same time. Whilst some may thrive with early morning exercise, others may prefer to do something energetic later in the day. On the same page, exercise isn’t ‘one size fits all’, especially when it comes to kids.

Give your child the choice of what exercise they would like to do and at what point in the day, this way, they’re more likely to take part.

By choosing an activity they enjoy, they’re also more likely to stick to it over time.

Looking for exercise ideas your kids will enjoy? Check out our blog Keeping the kids active during lockdown.

Exercise helps kids mentally focus and concentrate

Physical activity plays an important role in brain development and supporting mental functions.

Exercise leads to improved motor skills, better thinking and problem-solving, stronger attention skills and important learning. As a result, online fitness is going to have a positive domino effect when it comes to online learning.

Daily activities can also help to relieve symptoms of anxiety. With current happenings in the world, the uncertainty and strange times can be scary for a child and their imagination. Physical activity, whilst it may not completely eliminate any worry, it may help to relieve some anxiety helping them to relax.

Structure

Introducing exercise at a specific time helps to structure the rest of the day. This is especially important during lockdown when there may not be much to keep us occupied.

Scheduling exercise at a time that best suits your child and family dynamic will be most beneficial when it comes to planning online learning too.