Moving in Directions in Space Lesson

Kinesthetic Lessons for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Susan Kramer

Contents

1. ABA Sequencing Lesson
2. Benefits of Young Kids Learning Motor Skills
3. Circle Dance Using Rhythmic Motor Skills and Songs
4. Curving and Zigzag Shapes Lesson
5. Diagonal Line Shape Lesson
6. Climbing Stairs Lesson
7. Clockwise and Counterclockwise Lesson
8. Developing Concentration
9. Learning Right and Left Side
10. Outlining Shapes
11. Straight Lines Game

12. Making Horizontal Lines Lesson
13. Stretching in Vertical Lines Lesson
14. Moving Forward and Backward for Young Kids
15. Three Beginning Rhythmic Motor Skills
16. Three More Advanced Rhythmic Motor Skills
17. Moving in Directions in Space Lesson
18. Straight Line Kinesthetic Lessons
19. Circles and Circling Lines Lesson
20. Curved and Bending Lines Lesson
21. Developing Language Skills Birth to 5

17. Moving in Directions in Space Lesson

This kinesthetic lesson is to learn and reinforce directions of movement in space, so the student can transfer these skills to printing and cursive writing and other paper work. (Even turning the pages of a book is movement from the front to the back of the book - lifting pages from the right and moving them to the left.)

Ages 4+

Skills practiced are moving forward, backward, sideways, clockwise and counter-clockwise - plus learning the right and left side of their body.

Preparation
Students stand in a group in the center of room facing teacher who is standing at the front of room facing in the same direction as the students. Teacher does the lesson along with the students and counts the numbers of the walking steps out loud, and uses clapping or a rhythm instrument. One count per walking step.

Pattern of 3
- Facing front, walk forward 4 steps.
- Facing front, walk backward 4 steps.
- Turn one complete turn in place, clockwise (toward the right side of body) with 4 steps.
- Repeat sequence.

Pattern of 4
- Facing front, walk forward 4 steps.
- Facing front walk backward 4 steps.
- Turn one complete turn in place, clockwise (toward the right side of body) with 4 steps.
- Turn one complete turn in place, counter-clockwise (toward the left side of body) around self with 4 steps.
- Repeat sequence.

Article by Susan Kramer

Resources for parents, teachers and homeschooling families: