Curriculum Expectations
7.1, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3
See the Kindergarten Program 2016 for details on the specific expectations.
Activity Learning Goals
By the end of the activity children will be able to:
- participate actively in creative movement activities
- demonstrate spatial awareness
- demonstrate control of large muscles with and without equipment
- demonstrate balance, whole-body coordination, and flexibility in movement
Equipment
- A variety of picture books
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Safety
Inspect activity area for safe traction and eliminate potential hazards. Clearly outline the boundaries for the activity making sure there is a safe distance between the activity area and the furniture/walls. Remind children to be cautious when moving, and to be aware of personal space.
Assessment Opportunity
EL-K Team observation of children’s demonstrated application of active participation, spatial awareness and large muscle control using whole body balance and flexibility can be recorded on the Anecdotal Recording Chart.
Storybook Statues
- This activity is to be completed as a post reading activity. Children move in a variety of ways around the space. When a signal is given, children freeze in the shape of a character from a book that has been read in class. Children then guess each other's character before beginning to move again. Select a few children to share their frozen character with the class.
- Re-read a familiar story. As the story is read, children move around the space dramatizing the actions of the story. Periodically, call out “freeze.” Children freeze and listen to the next part of the story.
Listen and Do
Read a story and designate a certain action (e.g., stand up, sit down, turn around, run, jump, touch a line) every time a word is said. Children listen for that word or name in the story and do the action each time they hear the word.
Notes to EL-K Team
- To add physical movement when listening to stories in the classroom, children can use hand actions and actions that can be done when sitting down.
- Challenge children to try different or challenging poses and balances when they freeze.
- Children can be instructed to freeze with another person during “Storybook Statues”.
- Reinforce stopping when the “freeze” signal is given.
- Remind children to move carefully without bumping into each other thereby reinforcing the concept of spatial awareness.
Connection Questions to Expand and Enhance Play
- What can you do to make sure you don’t bump into anyone when travelling?
- How can you move to show that your story character is happy, sad, angry, excited?
- Why is important to listen carefully during the story?
