Kickstarting the day with positive, engaging activities can set a wonderful tone for children, helping them feel energized, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes their way.
Here are 15 effective morning activities for kids that blend physical movement, creativity, and mindfulness to help them start the day on the right foot.
1. Morning stretch routine
Stretching helps wake up the muscles, improves flexibility, and increases circulation.
It’s a gentle way for kids to transition from sleep to active wakefulness, helping them feel more alert and ready for the day.
Start with simple stretches like reaching for the sky, touching toes, and side bends.
2. Dance Party
Dancing boosts mood and energy levels, and it’s a fun way to get moving.
It encourages self-expression and can help kids release any morning grogginess.
It’s also a great cardio workout that helps build endurance.
Play a favorite upbeat song and let the kids dance freely around the room for a few minutes.
3. Mindful breathing
Mindful breathing calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and improves focus.
Practicing this in the morning can help kids feel grounded and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
Use "The Magic of Breathing" in Storybook app is all about paying attention to how we breathe. It’s a super simple but powerful way for kids to learn mindfulness and improve their focus.
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It’s similar to activities that help with impulse control for kids as it teaches them to manage emotions. Guide them to take deep breaths, inhaling for a count of four, holding, then exhaling slowly.
4. Morning yoga for kids
Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and strength. It also promotes mindfulness and helps kids develop body awareness.
Starting the day with yoga can improve concentration and emotional resilience throughout the day.
Try simple poses like Downward Dog, Tree Pose, or Child’s Pose, which are easy for kids to do.
This is a great routine to pair with thanksgiving activities for kids where they can focus on gratitude and mindfulness.
5. Art and craft morning
Art activities stimulate creativity and help kids express their emotions.
Engaging in art can be a calming start to the day and helps improve fine motor skills and focus, which are useful in other daily tasks.
This can also work well as after school activities for kids who love to create.
Provide materials like crayons, paper, and markers for drawing or coloring a favorite animal.
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6. Meditation
Meditation offers numerous benefits for children, such as improving their focus and attention and helping them stay more present in their daily activities.
It also teaches them emotional regulation, allowing them to manage stress, anxiety, and frustration better
A helpful resource for teaching your child important values like kindness and integrity is the story “Chest of Virtues” on the Storybook app.
This meditation guides your child through key virtues such as honesty and respect, helping them understand the importance of these values in their daily life. 🌟💖
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7. Gratitude Journal
Practicing gratitude can improve mood and build a positive outlook on life.
This activity helps kids develop empathy and emotional awareness, as they focus on the good things in their lives.
Gratitude practices are beneficial in morning routines as well as during rainy days activities for families.
Ask your child to write down or draw one thing they are grateful for each morning.
8. Morning listening time
Reading enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
Morning reading time helps kids start the day with a calm, focused activity that encourages a love for learning.
Set aside 10-15 minutes for kids to read a favorite book or a new story, and this can also be part of educational morning routines for kids.
A perfect resource to boost your child’s confidence before a big moment is the affirmation story “You Are Prepared for the Presentation” on the Storybook app.
This empowering story helps your child feel calm and reassured, reminding them that they are ready and capable.
Sharing this moment not only builds confidence but also creates a positive and supportive atmosphere before important events. 🌟💪
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9. Breakfast cooking activity
Cooking teaches kids practical life skills, such as measuring ingredients and following directions.
It also fosters a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, as they take part in preparing their meal.
Involve your child in making something simple like a fruit smoothie or scrambled eggs.
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10. Puzzle Time
Puzzles enhance problem-solving skills, concentration, and patience.
They’re a great way to engage kids’ minds in a productive activity that challenges them to think critically.
Choose a jigsaw puzzle or a simple Sudoku or crossword puzzle suitable for kids.
Puzzle-solving is another wonderful option to include in impulse control activities for kids.
11. Positive Affirmations
Affirmations help build self-esteem and promote a positive mindset.
This practice encourages kids to think positively and boosts confidence, helping them face the day with optimism.
Have your child say or repeat affirmations like, “I am strong,” “I can handle challenges,” or “Today is going to be a good day.”
A wonderful resource to boost your child’s confidence is the uplifting story “You Are Important” on the Storybook app.
This heartwarming story reminds your child how much they matter, helping them feel valued and loved. 🌟💖
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12. Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts improve observational skills and encourage physical activity.
They also provide a sense of accomplishment as kids find each item, which can motivate them for the rest of the day.
This activity is also perfect for after school activities when they need a little extra engagement.
Create a quick list of items for your child to find around the house, such as a red toy, a book, or a spoon.
13. Morning exercise circuit
Physical exercise boosts energy levels, improves cardiovascular health, and helps develop strength and coordination.
An exercise circuit gets kids moving and sets a healthy foundation for an active lifestyle.
Set up a circuit with activities like jumping jacks, squats, and skipping for 10-15 minutes.
14. Storytelling session
Storytelling enhances language skills, creativity, and empathy.
It encourages kids to use their imagination and improve their communication skills as they listen to or tell stories.
This activity also helps reinforce gender equality activities for kids by allowing them to explore different characters and perspectives.
Share a short story with your child or have them create their own and share it with you.
15. Goal-Setting for the Day
Goal-setting teaches kids responsibility and helps them develop a sense of purpose.
It also encourages them to focus on specific tasks, which can improve self-discipline and foster a sense of achievement as they meet their goals.
Help your child set one or two small goals, like reading a chapter of a book or helping with a chore.
What are some educational morning routines for kids?
Educational morning routines can help kids develop skills, improve focus, and foster a love for learning. Here are some ideas:
- Reading time: Set aside time for reading a book or a short story. This builds vocabulary and comprehension skills, and can be a peaceful way to start the day.
- Puzzle solving: Engaging in puzzles like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, or jigsaw puzzles enhances problem-solving abilities and concentration.
- Creative writing or journaling: Encourage your child to write a short story, journal entry, or even a gratitude list. Writing in the morning stimulates creativity and helps develop language skills.
How can I get my child excited about morning activities?
To get your child excited about morning activities, try these strategies:
- Make it fun: Choose activities that feel more like play than work, such as dance parties, scavenger hunts, or arts and crafts.
- Give choices: Allow your child to choose between a few activities each morning. When they have a say, they’re more likely to feel enthusiastic.
- Incorporate rewards: Offer small rewards, like extra playtime or a special breakfast, as motivation for completing morning activities.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
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