Preschool Fitness Activity - Circus Lions

Preschoolers will stay entertained and entertain family members, friends and stuffed animals as lions and lion tamers. Full of jumping and leaping, a roaring lion act combines fitness and pretend play to keep preschoolers active. As a preschool theme activity, birthday party activity or rainy day fun activity, a lion circus act develops gross motor skills, coordination and imagination for preschoolers.

What You Need

Hula hoops

Or Pool Noodles (use a connector piece to form a circle)

Optional

Circus Music

Lion Costume Accessories

Ring Master Costume Accessories

What to Do

If preschoolers have seen lions or tigers perform at the circus, they will probably be eager if an adult simply says, “I put out some things so you could play lions at the circus.”

If preschoolers haven’t seen an animal act at the circus, consider checking out a circus video or DVD at your local library or finding a video available on the internet.

Simple Suggestions

Adults can also say, “I set some things out for you to play with. One thing you can do with those things is pretend you are animals and do animal tricks.”

Encourage but Stay Out of the Creative Play

No matter how you present the idea to preschoolers, make your statements short. Let preschoolers use their imagination and see what they create on their own. When preschoolers have to think through play and how to use materials, they are developing problem solving skills and creativity. Research has shown that preschoolers engage in imaginative play for longer periods of time if preschoolers are allowed to direct their own play scenarios.

Extra Ideas for Playing Circus Lions

Lion Masks and Costumes – If you have a lion mask, costume or other lion props, set them along side the hoops or pool noodles.

Face Decoration – If you have face paint or an eye-brow pencil, you can mark whiskers on preschooler’s faces for added fun.

Ring Master Cape and Hat – If you have a cape or hat for the ringmaster to wear, add it to the other circus props.

Books about the Circus – Before setting up this scene for creative fitness play, you may want to visit your local library to borrow some children’s books about the circus.

Circus Music - Play lively music or circus music. Check your local library and the internet for recorded circus sounds and music.

by Kelly Pfeiffer

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Circus Tricks with Paper Plate Hoops - Fitness Activity

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