Back to Activity Guides : Get the Acrobat Version : Product

#1- 74180

BODY MOVES

Body Moves is a dynamic, new, easy to use movement program. You choose words, make "word cards," and insert the cards into the six (6) clear windows of a lightweight, colorful, Move Cube. Roll or toss the cube and let the FUN begin. It's that simple!

This movement program explores the four basic elements of movement; cube activities move the Body, take place in Time, cover Space, and use Energy. In your "Body Moves" program you will find three (3) Move Cubes and a movement program teacher's guide. The guide provides you with ideas for activities for individuals, partners, and groups. It also provides you with ideas for movement vocabulary words you can choose from to create your movement word cards for the cube( s). The "word lists" section is organized into six (6) categories, each featuring key concepts in movement.

Think of "Body Moves" as the creation of the story of movement. Have fun exploring this story as your participants discover the Concept Categories of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW of movement. Your participants will gain basic knowledge and experience in key movement, vocabulary, concepts and skills: Balance, Coordination, Motor Skills, Body and Spatial Awareness, Rhythm, Energy, etc. "Body Moves" also sharpens concentration, memory, and critical thinking and listening skills, building confidence and reaching participants of all ability levels physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially.

This lively, FUN and educational movement program is enjoyable and simple to use. It initiates a natural enthusiasm for "Movement." There are thousands of possible, yet unpredictable, movement combinations that can be generated with "Body Moves!"

HOW TO USE BODY MOVES MOVE CUBE PREPARATION FOR MOVEMENT SESSION

Decide on the Key Movement Concept you wish to explore. Select a Movement Word List from one of the six (6) Concept Categories of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY or HOW.

Choose the words from the list you want to use and print one word per index card, (size can be 3x5 or 4x6.) Words that are easier to use are printed in bold and listed first.

Insert six (6) of your "movement word cards" into the six (6) clear windows of a cube, one card per window. PLEASE NOTE: ONLY USE words from the SAME Word List in an INDIVIDUAL cube. Done in this manner, you create "Concept" cubes, such as: The "Body Part" cube that might be filled with index cards printed with the words HEAD, ARM, LEG, HAND, KNEE, NOSE.

Decide how many "Concept" cubes you wish to use in a session and make the appropriate word cards and fill the Move Cube windows.

WHAT TO DO

Discuss the words inserted in the windows of the Move Cube (s) with your movers to check for understanding.

Movers should begin in a circle formation so all can view the cube( s) as it (they) are rolled or tossed in the center of the circle. SUGGESTION: Initially have TOTAL group form ONE large circle and move the turned up word in unison as the leader rolls the cube. As participants become familiar with the "Body Moves" program, they can divide into three small group circles each using their own "Concept" cube. This frees the leader to supervise the various groups. Group members take turns rolling the cube to determine which movement they will do alone around (or within) the circle. The small group could also move in unison exploring the turned up movement word rolled by each member.

Roll or toss the cube( s) to determine the Movement Word to be explored. Movement "Starter Sentences" are provided in the introduction of each of the six (6) categories. These help movers initiate the movement "qualities" associated with the word that turns up on the cube.

EXAMPLE:

Cube is rolled and turns up the word HEAD. The "Starter Sentences" for the WHO category or "body Parts" word list is: "Show me how you can move your HEAD."" Can you move your HEAD? "Can you move your HEAD another way?" (Notice how the turned up word HEAD is used to fill in the blank in each sentence.)

Let the FUN begin! Refer to the ACTIVITIES SECTION of this program for exciting and engaging ideas for Individuals, Partners, and Groups. There are thousands of movement combinations that can occur when using the Body Moves Program. The only boundary of this program is your own imagination!!

EXAMPLE PAGE FOR USE OF THE BODY MOVES PROGRAM

DIRECTIONS FOR USING ONE CUBE

Choose six (6) movement words from the "Body Parts" word list and make word cards for a Move Cube. Insert these cards into the six (6) clear windows of the cube, one card per window.

Example: Your "Body Part" concept cube is rolled and turns up the word "HEAD." Have your movers locate and pat or touch their heads.

Hint: Have the participants move their heads as if they were watching a tennis match or other sport event.

DIRECTIONS FOR USING TWO CUBES

Using the "Body Part" concept cube you have already prepared, add a second cube to the activity. Choose six (6) movement words from the "Non Locomotor" word list and make word cards to insert in the windows of the second cube. Roll the two cubes to discover what movement combination will turn up.

Example: Your "Body Part" concept cube is rolled and turns up the word "HAND". Your "Non locomotor" concept cube is rolled and turns up the word "SHAKE". Have your movers "SHAKE" their "HAND".

Hint: Have participants pretend to put their hands in a paint bucket and then try to shake off the paint. Imagine different colors of paint.

DIRECTIONS FOR USING THREE CUBES

Using the "Body Part" concept cube and the "Non Locomotor" concept cube, add a third cube to the activity. Choose six (6) numbers from the "Numbers" word list and make word cards to insert in the windows of a third cube. Roll the three cubes to discover what movement combination will turn up.

Example: Your "Body Part" concept cube is rolled and turns up the word "KNEE". Your "Non Locomotor" concept cube is rolled and turns up the word "BEND". Your "Number" concept cube is rolled and turns up the word "THREE (3)." Have your movers "BEND" their "KNEE"" three (3)" times.

Hint: Have your participants pretend they are in a race and must jump over three hurdles.

HINTS FOR SUCCESSFUL USE

Body Moves word lists provide over 600 movement words covering a broad range of age, ability and experience levels. Be sure to choose words from the lists that are appropriate for your movers when making your cards. Each word list provides a wide variety of words from simple basic concepts (Level I), to more challenging ones (Level II), to complex combinations (Level III). These concept categories are:

WHO- (Who moves?)- This category contains "Body Part" words.
WHAT- (What way do you move?) -This category contains non traveling, (Non Locomotor or Axial) and traveling (Locomotor) words.
WHERE- (Where do you move?) This category contains words relating to Directions, Space, Shape, Pathways, and Levels.
WHEN-( When and for how long do you move?)- This category contains words related to time and numbers to determine rhythms.
WHY-( Why do you move?)- This category contains words pertaining to Emotions and Moods along with Color and Flavor motivator words.
HOW-( How do you move?)- This category contains words pertaining to the Energy and Effort involved in movements as well as Opposites word list.

SUGGESTIONS:

• For organization purposes, it is helpful to color code each of the six (6) concept Categories and cards you make from its accompanying word lists.
• Print large enough for readability.
• The word cards you make can be stored in a file box with identifying dividers.
• As movers become familiar with the Body Moves program they can be responsible for word card choice; use of cube( s) individually, in small groups or large groups; and leading movements.
• Keep movement activity directions simple and clear. Make the objective of the lesson clear to your movers.
• Until movers are familiar with the Body Moves program and how it is organized, it is best to use only movement word cards from one of the word lists in a category at a time to fill each cube. Eventually (depending on the age, experience and maturity level of the movers), different word cards from different lists could be mixed, if desired, in one cube.

SOME BASIC RULES FOUND FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE MOVEMENT SESSION ARE:

• Teach that the word "FREEZE" means to stop, look and listen.
• Movers should not do anything (physically or verbally) that can injure either themselves or others.
• To set a positive atmosphere, movers should respect individual differences and modes of expression of others.
• Encourage everyone to participate to the best of their ability. There is no set right or wrong way to perform moves. Emphasis is on success and finding areas of strength. Leader- Mover dynamics should be very positive for each mover as this builds new found confidence and knowledge.
• Movers should be informed of the movement area boundaries.
• Begin with a simple, short warm up and end with a cool down and discussion of the preceding movement experience.
• Imagery and metaphors are useful when introducing new movement words from Body Moves to promote understanding. Example: "Burst" like a bubble; "Stretch" like a rubber band. These examples can be printed on the back of the word cards to promote understanding. cubes can then be used independently by participants which leads to self directed learning.
• Control the energy level generated in a movement session by frequently changing the type of activity from fast to slow, etc. using smooth transitions. Try to have all the movers involved at all times as participants or observers.
• Use movers responses to best gauge the length of an activity.
• Let the movers use their own unique problem solving abilities to find movement solutions for challenging words and combinations that turn up on the cubes.
• Handling your cubes responsibly will ensure many years of use. This includes inserting cards with care; not using the plastic window openings as "handles"; not stomping, kicking or sitting on the cubes, etc.

PROPS AND MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT SUGGESTIONS TO ENHANCE BODY MOVESPROGRAM:

• Crepe paper streamers
• Items from CHIME TIME and SPORTIME catalogs
• Beans Bags, Space Stations, Plastic Hoops, Balls, Parachutes, Shape Shifter, Balloons, Rhythm instruments, Dancing Color Scarves, Rhythm Sticks, Ribbon Wand sets
• Hand held drum to establish beat or as a signal to stop, start, or change activity
• Tapes, CDs or records (example: Folk, ethnic, jazz, classical and modern instrumental as well as environmental recordings.)