Today before creative movement I was thinking about skipping. It is my goal that 4 year olds be able to skip by the end of the year. For some kids this is really difficult, and for some it seems so natural. I get bored fairly easily if I do the same movements the same way every single week. And you certainly know what that means, if I am bored, 4 year olds are bored!
I came up with an idea on the spot. I usually have the kids sit while their classmates go across the floor. But today, I lined them up like setting them up for a square dance, in two lines. (See picture!) Two dancers move to the top to skip down the middle and the side lines move down a dot until everyone gets to the top to go down the middle. We practiced chasse too, just to get used to moving down a dot. I loved it because EVERYONE needs to pay attention, and everyone is participating. I love to present ideas that includes and manages the entire class at once.
I am sure this idea has been done before, a billion times probably. I was just so happy it worked out like I had hoped. I am pretty sure they liked it too!
What do you like to do to make skipping, chasse, and traveling across the floor fun for the littles? I would love to hear!
(picture via Country Living)
That's such a great idea! We do all those plus gallops. They are basically advanced skips.
ReplyDeleteYou should try it! It gives variety! YAY
ReplyDeleteMaria, I don't necessarily agree that if you're bored the kids are bored. I actually think that they love repetition...especially the little ones. To recognize the same steps or patterns or metaphors from week to week makes them feel really good. Maybe they seem bored but are actually frustrated because they can't get the step. Nonetheless, it's obvious they needed a change in approach to learning this step and I think it's always a good idea to keep them moving like you did (waiting in line for their turn wears on their patience!!)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your ideas and activities!
Lauren, I completely agree about repetition. It is so good for them!I think they get a lot out of it too. I did once have a teacher tell me that she does the same things every week. I was floored, because I am not sure I could do it. I wished I would of asked her to clarify. I do the same things every week, but in a new format, I keep the structure the same and just add new things within, or add on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and thanks for reading! :)