Letting off steam

All children need ways to move and act physically which can help avoid a build-up of energy or frustration.  Here are some ideas for experiences that will provide children with opportunities for letting off steam safely and enjoyably:

• Wet sponges to throw against an outdoor wall or fence.
• Small paint covered sponges for use on large sheets of paper on the floor or an outdoor wall.
• Small plant spray bottles or shampoo bottles filled with water for squirting.
• Large cushions for squashing, jumping, punching and kicking.  It can be very satisfying for children if you hold the cushion up and let them run at it!
• Old magazines or newspapers for tearing or ripping.
• Wet towels to twist and squeeze.               
• Digging in the garden or sand.
• Large thick cotton rope for playing tug of war.
• Fly swats for hitting a wall.
• Containers for pouring water.
• A hose to spray.
• Skittles or a pile of cardboard boxes to knock down.
• An old sheet to hang on a line to run through.
• Playdough and clay.
• Giant rollers full of water to roll across the outdoor space.