Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Christmas Fitness Circuit: Free Printable Card Set for Year 4
- ForYear 4
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Christmas Fitness Circuit is a free printable card set for Year 4 (ages 8 to 9). It has twelve festive exercise stations, from reindeer jumps to a gentle stretch and breathe. Children cut out the cards, set up a circuit and move from station to station. It needs no screen, only some clear floor space and comfy shoes.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages. Page 1 is the activity. Page 2 is for the grown-up, with notes on how to use the sheet, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children cut out the cards and lay them in a loop around a room or garden. Each card shows one festive move, such as snowman squats, bauble twists or a candy cane balance on one leg. Children do each move in turn, then travel to the next card. The set finishes with a gentle stretch and breathe, so everyone can settle down after the busy stations.
- Reindeer jumps
- Snowman squats
- Elf tiptoe run on the spot
- Sleigh slide steps side to side
- Santa star jumps
- Bauble twists
- Tree stretch up tall
- Present lifts with arms
- Snowball throw into a basket
- Candy cane balance on one leg
- Penguin waddle
- Gentle stretch and breathe
Setting up your circuit
Cut out the cards
Cut along the lines and shuffle them or keep them in order. An adult can do the cutting for younger children, or children can use safe scissors with supervision.
Lay out the stations
Place the cards on the floor or tape them to a wall in a big loop. Leave a clear gap around each one. Cushions or training cones can mark each spot.
Choose the moves and timing
Do each move for 30 seconds, or 15 seconds if it feels too much. Count out loud or use a timer. Then walk calmly to the next card.
Gather a soft throwing item
For the snowball throw, use a soft ball or rolled up socks and a basket or box. Keep breakable things out of the way.
Why use a circuit for Christmas movement?
A circuit is a set of different exercises done one after another. Because each station uses the body in a new way, children jump, bend, balance and stretch within one session. Moving between stations also gives a natural pause, so children can pace themselves. The festive theme gives each move a story, which makes it easier to join in and keep going.
Physical education in the National Curriculum for England includes building flexibility, strength, control and balance at Key Stage 2. A circuit like this gives children a simple way to practise those ideas. It also lends itself to talk about how the body feels, which helps children learn to listen to themselves and move at a sensible pace.
Clear a safe space before you start and remove anything children could trip on. Wear comfy shoes or non slip socks. Use a soft item for the snowball throw. Children should stop and rest if they feel dizzy, sore or unwell. Check that any child with a health condition is happy to take part.
Fun facts to share while you move
- Reindeer are real animals that live in cold northern parts of the world.
- Penguins live mostly in the southern half of the world, and they waddle when they walk on land.
- For a balancing move, it helps to look at one still spot in front of you. Try balancing on each leg in turn.
- Muscles get stronger when you use them often, so practising a move on different days helps.
- Slow, steady breathing after exercise helps your body settle down.
Skills and curriculum link
- Fitness
- Counting
- Teamwork
- Balance and control
- Pacing yourself
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | PE | Fitness | Year 4 |
What children will be able to do
- I can do a range of movements in a circuit.
- I can keep going for a set time.
- I can say how my body feels.
Helpful ideas for the grown-up
- Warm up firstStart with a minute of gentle marching on the spot and some arm circles. It prepares the body and sets a calm tone.
- Pace over speedRemind children that this is not a race. Moving steadily lets them keep going from the first card to the last.
- Make spaceGive each station room so jumping and swinging arms do not touch anyone or anything. Outdoors on dry ground also works.
- Model the movesTry each move once yourself. Children copy what they see, and good form matters more than a high count.
Key words
- CircuitA set of exercises you do one after another, then repeat if you like.
- StationOne spot in the circuit where you do a particular move.
- PaceHow fast or slow you move. A steady pace is one you can keep up.
- BalanceStaying steady without wobbling or falling.
- StretchGently lengthening your muscles by reaching or bending.
- RepetitionDoing the same move again and again.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the children. Keep page 2 for yourself, as it has the notes and answers.
- Cut out the cards and lay them in a loop. Clear a safe space and put on comfy shoes.
- Try each move together first so everyone knows what to do. Talk about how to do each one safely.
- Do each move for the set time, then walk to the next card. Move at your own pace and rest when you need to.
- Come back to the circuit another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence and helps children notice how they improve.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Do each move for 15 seconds instead of 30. Let children rest between stations and start with just a few cards. Show each move slowly first and say the name out loud. Praise effort and let them build up to more cards over time.
To stretch confident children
Do two rounds of the whole circuit and count how many of each move you do. In the second round, try to match or beat the first count without rushing. Talk about which moves were easier the second time.
Make it a game
Play festive music while children move at their station. When the music stops, everyone freezes. When it starts again, they walk to the next card and begin that move. Play until every card has been done.
Talk about it
- Which station was your favourite, and why?
- Which move made your body work hardest?
- What did you notice about your breathing as you moved?
- How did you decide how fast to go?
- Which move could you make a little harder next time?
- How did the gentle stretch at the end feel?
Take it off the page
Make your own card
Draw a new festive move on a blank card, such as a Christmas pudding roll or a robin flap. Add it to the circuit for everyone to try.
Family circuit
Invite brothers, sisters or grown-ups to join. Each person starts at a different card and moves round when you say.
Balance challenge
Stand on one leg and hold a soft toy on your head or on your hand. Try each leg in turn and see how long you can stay steady.
Who it is for
Parents
Join in for the first round, then let your child lead. Cut out the cards together and let them decide where each station goes. Keep the pace relaxed and finish with the gentle stretch and breathe.
Teachers
Use it as a December PE starter, a wet playtime activity or a calm end of day session. Set the cards around a hall or classroom. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Pair the circuit with outdoor play, a walk or a festive craft. The cards can be used again for brothers and sisters. Children can also invent new stations to add, which links movement with imagination.
Where this fits in learning
Before this, children usually practise simple movements such as jumping, hopping, balancing and running in short bursts. They also learn to follow instructions and share space with others safely.
After this, children can move on to longer circuits, make up their own routines and compare how they feel before and after exercise. They can also begin to set small goals and talk about how to improve.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Which station was hardest, and why?
- How did your heart and breathing change?
- How can you pace yourself?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Christmas Fitness Circuit for?
It is written for Year 4 (ages 8 to 9) in Key Stage 2. Younger or older children can still join in, because the timings and the number of cards can be changed to suit them.
- What do we need to use the card set?
You need the printed pages, scissors, a clear space and comfy shoes. For the snowball throw station, add a soft ball or rolled up socks and a basket or box. Cones or cushions can mark the stations.
- Can we do it indoors?
Yes, if you have enough clear floor. Move furniture aside and leave a gap around each card. If space is small, do the cards in turn in one spot. A garden also works on dry ground.
- What if it feels too hard?
Do each move for 15 seconds instead of 30. Rest between stations, and use fewer cards at first. Children can build up over several sessions, which helps them feel confident and keep going.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a PE starter, a wet playtime activity or a calm end of day session. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
- Is it a screen free activity?
Yes. It is a screen free printable and needs no devices. It works well for rainy days, school holidays and quiet breaks, and it gets children moving and talking.
- Do I need to print it in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children can colour the cards if they like, which also makes them easier to tell apart during the circuit.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.