Use Stuffed Animals As Tackling Dummies
There is a good amount of evidence that rough housing can be good for young children. The book “The Art of Rough Housing” provides a good overview of the research along with ideas of how to roughhouse.
However, it is hard to allow that in classroom settings. We are always worried about rough house play being misinterpret, parents getting upset, the potential to injure, and lawsuits.
Usually roughhousing is done between two or more children which creates the risk of injury and other issues. There is a way to allow a little rough housing in your class, but also avoid the potential conflicts and issues of two or more children rough housing and that is rough housing with large stuffed animals. Stuffed animals can be used as tackle dummies and wrestling partners without the fear of the stuffed animal getting hurt. This can be a fun activity for all children but especially those with a lot of energy and desire to rough house.
