How to incorporate movement-based creativity into your little one's day

Movement-based creativity is all around us. You may not have thought about it before, but chances are your little one already loves being creative with movement. From toddlers who become hopping bunnies to teenagers who can throw some serious dance moves, movement and creativity go hand in hand.

Why does it matter? Movement-based creativity can increase children's flexibility and range of motions, strengthen their muscles and contribute to optimum wellbeing. But it’s also hugely powerful in helping your little one feel less stressed, putting them in a better mood and enhancing their mental health.

We’re proud to say that many of our creative nannies are professional dancers, musical theatre performers and yoga teachers who love bringing movement-based creative play to their sessions. And they’re ready to help your little ones use their physical abilities to explore the world around them and encourage positive emotional and physical wellbeing.

Plus, as this week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is Movement: Moving more for our mental health, we’ve got all the inspiration you need to try a movement-based creative activity with your little one.

Mini disco

Who doesn’t love a mini disco? Get ready to rave - turn up the music, get those dancing shoes on and encourage your little one to move to the beat. From freestyling to making up a routine, there’s so much fun to be had by simply dancing together. Ready to get even more creative? You could put on a show, make up your own dance moves or boogie to different styles of music. This can help your mini movers discover rhythm, increase their self-confidence and keep them active, all whilst bonding and having a laugh with you!

Ready, set, stretch

Stretching is the perfect way to start the day and induce calm. While it can help to increase the flexibility of their muscles and improve motion in their joints, a moment of mindfulness can help your little ones slow down and release excess energy before starting the day. Try it alongside your little one, asking them to reach for the stars, touch their toes and touch each ear to their shoulder. Or you could opt for some simple yoga stretches, like Downward Facing Dog, Frog Pose, Child’s Pose and Tree Pose.

Let’s pretend…

Whether you play an immersive game, pretend to be animals or act out a story, make believe play can encourage lots of movement. And when it’s coupled with creative thinking, the benefits are aplenty. Movement-based make believe play can help improve your child’s memory, attention to detail, language, confidence and decision making, while keeping them active without them even knowing it. Other ideas include playing musical statues and being dancing ballerinas. Try them with your little one - they’re lots of fun!

Host a sport’s day

Looking to entertain a group of children? Sports day is all about keeping fit and having fun - and you can create it in your home, garden or park. We love the classic egg and spoon races (great for hand-eye coordination) and sack race (encourages balance and agility). No equipment? No problem. You could start with running races, then ask children to pair up and do the wheelbarrow race. They’ll want to do it over and over again, as they giggle and workout at the same time. Sports day activities like these can increase their fitness levels and improve their mental and social wellbeing. Plus, it’s the perfect activity to throw during a summer party or get together with our summer outing nannies.