Move & LearnToddlersPreschoolersKindergartners23 Comments
Have you ever played “don’t step in the lava” where the floor is lava and you can’t touch the floor?
We always played this as kids and somehow my own kids picked it up (I really don’t think I ever encouraged the notion of the floor being lava).
It’s a favorite pastime of mine and I hope it will be of my boys too (often when we walk on cushions, they pretend the floor is lava).
Kristen of Make the Best of Everything is sharing their version of “Don’t Step in the Hot Lava”, with some simple pieces of colored paper!
Super easy! Have fun with these one on a day you’re stuck inside.
We always have at least a few days during the winter and early spring where the kids and I are stuck inside.
My boys, ages 2 and 4 are very active. And they go crazy if they aren’t able to get active.
This is a fun hot lava game where the floor is lava in our living room.
The kids are to try not to touch the floor.
I used only colored paper and tape.
I spent 5-10 minutes taping colored paper to the floor with tape.
Note: if you do this on hardwoods, be sure to use delicate surface painter’s tape, affiliate link, and test first.
My kids helped pick out the colors.
Then, turn up music and watch them run around for a long time.
Then they hopped, danced, skipped and ran around.
As a result, my 4 year old had a great time trying his hardest to not touch the floor or the carpet.
In contrast, my 2 year old just had a fun time following his brother and running around, of course.
Add learning when the floor is lava:
Similarly, you can also add a bit of color learning to the mix!
Shout out a color and have the kids get to that colored piece of paper without stepping on the lava (don’t touch the floor!).
Above all, have a lot of fun doing this! Get in on the giggles!
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Cynthia says
I am a mother with a little boy of 2 and half years old in China, I would like you to share me how to play with my litlle boy indoor, cause we nearly go out to play in winter, and as you said, they are energetic, please!
Hemal says
Nice idea. my kids playing this game. He is enjoying very much
Nancy Love says
Hello! I work with lower elementary kiddos k-4th. During bad weather days, we have a building to go into without ANY activities for recess. Just before lunchtime, they come out in 15 min. Cycles. I need ideas to control the enter and exit times without confusion.
Rachel says
That sounds tough! Hopefully something like this will help, maybe everyone standing on certain colors or something. Good luck!
ingride francoeur says
This would help my toddler class
Vasudha. says
I appreciate your ideas and the way you activated them .Than a lot