Diagonal Line Shape 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 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

5. Diagonal Line Shape Lesson

Toddlers and preschoolers can have fun learning the diagonal line and direction through kinesthetic movement games.

The diagonal is used in math to turn a square shape into 2 triangles and to transform a rectangle into a parallelogram, for example. In language several printed letters have diagonal shapes such as "M" and "N" in capitals.

Learning about diagonals is a step ahead for kindergarten.

Here are some movement games

When working with a group of children indoors, clear enough space to be able to move freely.

Wait half an hour after eating before moving vigorously.

Treat the games as play so there is no pressure to perform the skill while learning.

1. March or gallop from front corner to opposite back corner of room. Tell the children this makes a diagonal line.

2. Hold arms out to side on a diagonal - one arm halfway between shoulder and overhead height, and the other arm between shoulder and leg. That forms the long straight diagonal line. Then, reverse arm positions.

3. With masking tape lay out large diagonal shapes on the floor for children to walk or gallop along.

4. Lay out masking tape in a large letter "X" on the floor and for variety, march down the blank sides, and gallop on the diagonal lines.

5. Have 4 children lie on the floor in an "X" shape. Do this by having the children line up their feet at the center, so their bodies form one spoke of the "X" shape.

Article by Susan Kramer

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