Physical Activities

Use Rainbow Fun for approximately 20 minutes every day. It does not require any special equipment and can be used indoors or outdoors. If you are unable to use it every day, try to use it at least three times a week.

  • There are six physical activity sections below, each involving different movement skills.
  • Always start your program with the “Warm Up & Stretching” section. Do these activities in the order they appear so muscles are warmed up prior to stretching.
  • Always end your program with the “Cool Down” and “Stretching & Relaxation” sections.
  • Follow the written instructions so both you and the children avoid injury.
  • Demonstrate the activity correctly, ensuring the children are following your example.
  • Children often enjoy activities more if accompanied by music.

Safety

Responsibility for the care and safety of the children rests with the organization and its employees. Some of the exercises in Rainbow Fun are contraindicated during pregnancy. Consult with your healthcare provider before attempting the activities in this resource. To further ensure safety, follow the Safety Tips in this section

Rainbow Fun supports the development of basic physical activity skills for young children ages three to six. By doing this program, the children you care for will be healthier, have fun and settle down more easily for other activities. As the Rainbow Fun leader, you will also benefit by participating in this program.

For the body

  • Strengthens bones
  • Improves muscle strength and endurance
  • Improves flexibility
  • Works the heart and lungs
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Improves sleep
  • Decreases risk of chronic disease

For the mind

  • Increase self-esteem
  • Provides an outlet for stress
  • Improves learning
  • Builds cooperative skills

To keep children safe using the Rainbow Fun program, please ensure the following:

  • Area is free of hazards.
  • Furniture and objects with sharp edges are out of the way.
  • Equipment and toys that are not being used are put away.
  • Everyone has enough room to move.
  • Floors are not slippery and carpets are secure.
  • Children are wearing rubber-soled shoes (preferably running shoes).
  • Shoes are securely fastened.
  • Children are not wearing clothing with drawstrings or loose scarves.
  • Children are not wearing hanging jewellery.
  • Children are given the instructions before doing the activity.
  • If children become winded or tired, move on to an easier activity.
  • Children are supervised at all times.

Tips For Playing Outdoors

Sun Safety

Staff and children can enjoy the outdoors and protect their skin and eyes from the sun by following the Ontario Sun Safety Working Group’s recommendations on:

Heat and Air Quality

  • The combined effects of heat and smog are of concern especially during heat alerts. Monitor children’s comfort regularly. If children experience any symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and/or difficulty breathing, reduce outdoor activity level or move children inside, preferably to an air conditioned environment. Pay attention to children who have pre-existing health conditions such as asthma.
  • Children and staff should drink lots of water when they are physically active, especially during hot weather.
  • For more information, call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or visit our Heat Warnings and Air Quality websites.

Rainbow Fun has been developed for use under supervised conditions

  • Carefully inspect facilities to ensure children’s safety
  • Be aware and recognize that children have different fitness and skill levels
  • Participate in the activities for adult role modelling