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“Canoodle - Kiss and cuddle amorously”
This fall I've moved into teaching one of my favorite courses, focused on physical therapy treatment for kids. In this class, one of my favorite exercises is to ask students to use inexpensive or everyday objects to create an activity for a child. As future physical therapists, they're thinking about the ways these objects and actions can be used to increase mobility and improve function. But the trick with treating--and educating, and raising--kids, is that everything has to be disguised as play.
Below, I've shared a few ideas for how to use a pool noodle in fun ways in your classroom, in your home, or maybe even in your therapy session.
Totally Safe Sword Fight
Canoodle Toy offers many fun ideas for using a pool noodle, including this image of a safe sword fight (giving me ideas for my next date with my husband). I especially like that they've gone the extra mile and designed fun hats.
How Low Can You Go?
Pam's Party and Practical Tips shared this idea for a pool noodle limbo stick (part of a luau-themed party). In addition to the prize for alliteration, they receive the prize for cutest grass skirt.
Giddy Up
The Lessons in Therapeutic Riding blog uses these cool pool noodle horses in sessions with clients, but I think they could translate equally well to a Western-themed day in a childcare classroom or at home. Add in the fun arts and crafts activity of making and decorating them, and the opportunities for enjoyment and learning multiply.
Javelin Throws
The Life as Mama bloggers (Four mom bloggers) share seven ways to use pool noodles in this post, including a javelin toss and a ring toss.
Basketball Hoop
Grandmother's House Children's Center blogs about the ways they've used a pool noodle in their preschool, including this ingenious basketball hoop.
Toddle Tough Mudder
Heart of Deborah blogger and mom used pool noodles to create an awesome obstacle course for her kids. Next up: Knife Throwing! (Hint: She used tent stakes to secure the pool noodles in these perfect arches; Disclaimer: This obstacle course is A+ work, but C- obstacle courses are also OK. Chances are your kids won't know the difference.)
Still need more Pool Noodle ideas? Check out the Use Your Noodle resource document from James Madison University.
Do you have a creative idea for using inexpensive, everyday to teach and play? Share it in the comments section below.
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