Gross Motor in the Wild: Part 2 – Sidewalk Chalk Squats

Next time you head outside with sidewalk chalk, skip the chair!

Instead of sitting to draw, encourage your child to stay in a deep squat while creating their masterpiece.

Holding a squat helps strengthen the legs, hips, core, and ankles while improving balance and endurance. It's also a fantastic way to stretch the muscles needed for walking, running, jumping, and climbing.

Need to make it easier? Let your child stand up for short breaks and then return to their squat.

Want an extra challenge

?

• Draw circles to jump between.

• Practice tracing letters while balancing.

• Reach far to the side to color different parts of the picture.

• Squat to pick up each new chalk color instead of keeping them nearby.

Sometimes the simplest activities become the best workouts. A bucket of chalk, a driveway, and a little creativity can build strong little bodies while making lasting summer memories.

Follow along for the next activity in our Gross Motor in the Wild Summer Series!