Spelling Bee Kicks

[15 Minutes]

The purpose of this strengthening exercise is to make the thighs and buttocks stronger without risking injury to the knees. This is also a fun spelling challenge and helps your child learn to multi-task.

You'll need:

• 2 pieces of paper • pencil • a smooth wall to lean against

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
2. With your child, gather everything you’ll need.
3. Tell your child that the object of this game is to try to do as many wall kicks as possible while at the same time spelling a word. Each letter of the word requires a kick. The longer the word the more kicks required.

How to play:

1. You and your child will each write down ten words that the other person must spell.
2. Look at the above picture together to see how to kick.
3. Let your child decide who will be the first kicker.
4. The kicker squats against the wall, like sitting in a chair.
5. The word caller immediately says the first word for the kicker to spell. Each letter requires a kick, alternating legs with every kick.
6. See how many words the kicker can spell without stopping.
7. Switch roles to see who can get through the most words, letters, or kicks.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• In this exercise, did you like longer or shorter words?
• Next time would you choose different words for your partner to spell? How would they be different?
• What part of your body felt the most tired in this exercise?
• What do you think is the name of that muscle group?