Running In Circles And Falling ... ?

[caregiver]

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't allow time for dancing and ring-around-the-rosy, or folloe the leader, or just plain being goofy. But their running has gotten so bad, they end up crashing into each other, falling on top of each other, pushing, landing on toys, etc. I've been using "walking feet" a lot, and even my little tornado has used that phrase at home to his parents now

I'm just tired or every time they get to playing a physical game, it turns into running in circles and falling ... shoot, even playing with blocks, or trains, or cars they end up doing that somehow.

I can see your point. If it is getting out of hand like pushing and falling down on each other, then I would put a stop to it,you can't have kids getting hurt. I think it is the time of year when kids can't get outside if you live in a state that is not warm in the winter and they just have a lot of energy that can't wear off like in the summer. I know myself, living in Mn,that I go crazy when I can't get outside,and this winter is just crazy...so much snow and so cold! Hec, I don't even like to go out to the mailbox right now,you have to bundle up just to get your mail!

[Blackcat31]

I do this, I let kids be kids. I ensure that their environment is safe and they are being respectful to the space and each other. I wouldn't be comfortable sending my child some place that didn't allow them on their feet for dramatic play or whatever kind of play...I can't think of anything besides our reading time, art time or eating that the kids are sitting. Gross motor skills are one of the main domains for development. With the weather we've had here, we've gotten creative with our activities to include a bigger group and wider age group...6month to 13years! One favorite is musical chairs, but we make it our own. The kids do like to dance and spin in circles, but as mentioned in previous responses, the kids are giggling, developing physically, emotionally and socially during this
play. Don't get me wrong, I don't condone just running in the house in general, not my my own kids or the daycare kids. There is a time and a place, the kids know when and where that is. The kids' imaginations are the engines of our day and we love it this way, they are thriving!

Then you most definitely wouldn't be the right fit for my program.

Large motor skills can be developed in LOTS of other ways other than allowing a child to run in circles, endangering others.

My number one priority is the SAFETY of the other children.
Safety is one the most important domains that parents look for in care.

Dramatic play is a structured activity.
Kids are obviously on their feet for structured activities. Structured activities require the supervision of an adult to ensure the safety of ALL children in care. Especially when you have a mixed age group.

BIG difference between structured play and random circling and running.

My reply was in response to the OP stating her kids were simply turning in circles and running for no apparent reason other than to do just that.

I really wish posters would ask for more information or more details before simply making assumptions about someone's program/practices.

[Luna]

Why would that be awful? :confused:

I can't think of a single activity that NEEDS to be done on their feet.

I have 10-12 kids every day.

The inside is NOT safe for running, jumping or getting wild.

We save that sort of thing for outside.

To be honest, this sounds like you allow no activities on their feet, not just unstructured activities. I can see how someone would get that idea, because that's the way I understood your post too.

[Blackcat31]

To be honest, this sounds like you allow no activities on their feet, not just unstructured activities. I can see how someone would get that idea, because that's the way I understood your post too.

My original reply was in response to OP who was talking about kids running in circles/falling.....not structured or guided play.

Another poster said it sounded awful....rather than asking for clarification or further explanation from me about exactly when and why kids are or aren't allowed on their feet.

My reply to that poster (the post you quoted) was short and I can see how it could possibly give the wrong idea......but again, I was replying to one person and no further explanation was requested.