Letting off steam

a young boy playing with a hose

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.