by Susan Kramer

Ages: 4+

Skills to practice and learn:
1. Directions of forward, backward, sideways, to left, to right, clockwise, counter-clockwise;
2. Gross motor skills and rhythms of marching, sliding and running;
3. Following directions;
4. Cooperation;
5. Circle shape;
6. Hear breaks in language through verse and song.

Preparation:
Enough clear floor space to move in; moving furniture to the sides of room works, as well as outdoors.

Method:
All join hands, and stretch out in circle shape facing center.

While holding hands teacher instructs to march forward to center and then march backward to place. Again, all march forward to center, and then march backward to place.

Still holding hands all slide sideward to right, (counter-clockwise), while facing center; then teacher instructs to stop; then all slide to left, (clockwise), while still holding hands.

Now drop hands and run forward to center and sit on floor. Alternately, at this point, instead of sitting, students run backward to form circle again, hold hands, and repeat sequence of counter-clockwise and clockwise circles while sliding.

For accompaniment teacher and observers clap, play rhythm instruments, say a verse or "sing a song". Some songs I have used: Baa, Baa, Black Sheep; Bobby Shaftoe; Mary Had a Little Lamb; Allouette; Frère Jacques and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Alternately, the changes in direction can be at the natural pauses in the verse or song.

After students learn the movement pattern they can sing along while moving.

Click on cover image to read table of contents   Adaptive Dance and Rhythms for all Ages