Curriculum Expectations
7.1, 8.1, 8.2
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
- demonstrate spatial awareness using large muscles
- demonstrate control of large muscles without equipment.
Equipment
- Music with a strong beat
- Audio equipment
- A drum or tambourine
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Safety
Inspect activity area for safe traction and eliminate potential hazards. Making sure there is a safe distance between the activity area boundaries 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 use and control of large muscles and spatial awareness while moving creatively can be recorded on the Anecdotal Recording Chart.
Pathways
Children walk around the classroom forward, on tip toes, on heels, with arms straight, with arms swinging, with stiff legs, with rubbery legs, with long step, with tiny steps, they can even walk like different animals. Challenge children to travel using different pathways (curved, straight, zigzag) as they move in different ways. Pathways could be posted on the wall and you could point to different pathways for children to follow.
Here, There, Where
On the command "Here" the children walk to you, on the command "There" the children walk in the direction where you point to, and finally on the command "Where" the children bounce up and down on the spot. Children can move in different ways while following instruction of “Here,” “There” “Where”. Ask the children to suggest new commands and movements and other directions. You can also give a command as well as a pathway for children to follow.
Notes to EL-K Team
- Remind the children to work in their own space. Provide positive reinforcement for children who are in their own space when they move in different pathways.
- As the children become more confident in directions they can lead the activity by calling out the various commands.
- Additional activities for Here, There, Where: Ask the children to suggest new commands and movements and other directions (e.g., Everywhere: children scatter, circle, line). You can also give a command as well as a pathway for children to follow (e.g., “Here in a zig zag pathway.”)
Connection Questions to Expand and Enhance Play
- How did you know you were moving safely in the classroom?
- How many different body parts can you use when moving in different pathways and in different creative ways?
