Movement Overview
The movement
activities fall into three general areas:
1. Games which concentrate on the development of large muscles and body
integration. Pay close attention to the directions if you want to meet the
stated objectives. By closely observing the children’s movements, you should
get a pretty good picture of where they are in motor development.
2. Games which are more creative in nature and aim the kids into
experimentation with movement and self-expression. We hope the guidelines will
help teachers provide a degree of structure which encourages spontaneity and
yet prevents chaos.
3. Games which provide chances to practice cognitive as well as motor skills in
a high-interest format. Children who tend to avoid table projects could thus be
involved in needing cognitive drill. In most of these games, different content
can be substituted according to the needs of your group.
You will find several traditional games which we have adapted for use with
preschoolers. We have tried to eliminate competitive elements in order to
foster skills development in children of different ages and abilities.
Consider further adaptations as you try activities:
Some kids thrive on responsibility: as the games become familiar, some kids
will try to take on teacher roles, freeing you to help individuals who need
attention
Music, recorded or played by teacher or kids, seldom fails to enhance an
activity and usually helps set the pace and provides structure.
A fantasy or theme in which the group is currently interested adds the
potential for emotional expression and group focus.
Most of these games can be played inside or outside provided there is a flat
area at least 15 feet square.
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