Shape Walk

A very stuctured activity with lots of movement to help kids get a "body feeling" for shapes

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can run with control over speed and change of directions GM II
ages 4 ½ can walk forward and backward, heel to toe GM I
ages 3-4 can show understanding of in and out and over and under concretely with own body Cog. IIID
and ages 2 can walk on a line in a general direction GM I

Materials

Large geometric shapes drawn on floor with tape or chalk.

Procedures

1. As children enter room, have each child choose a shape to stand inside of. Explain to them that they are going to dance—a shape dance. Tell them they are to follow your directions.

2. Have children listen and follow only verbal directions.

   A. Walk slowly around shape on the lines.

   B. Walk fast around shape on the lines.

   C. Run around shape on lines.

   D. Hop around shape.

   E. Walk sideways along lines of shape.

   F. Walk backwards on lines of shape.

   G. Walk around inside of shape.

   H. Walk around outside of shape.

   I. Sit in shape.

   J. Fill entire space with body.

   K. Put hands inside shape and feet outside.

   L. Put one hand inside shape, one hand outside, with both feet inside shape.

   M. Head inside, feet outside.

Have younger children imitate your body movements, or those of a child leader, rather than follow your verbal directions.

3. Have each child copy their shape with their body, e.g. make a circle by holding their feet while lying on the floor. Other children can help by moving her into positions or adding their own bodies to help complete the shapes.

4. These activities should be done before child is expected to draw shapes. These activities are also good for body in space concepts.