Friday with Gross Motor Manipulatives: Pyramids

I

Unit: Basic Movement Concepts

Title: Exploring Balance Stepping Stones

 

Introduction

This is the 9th class with early childhood kids with special needs at Linda Ray. We will repeat the same routine and the same songs/dances. It is important to continue re-enforcing the skills that they have already been introduced to. Today, Carol and I will introduce gross motor activities. Besides climbing over the pyramids, balancing on their top and moving around them, we will explore basic concepts such as "hand clapping, up and downs and marching" using a number of songs, props and games.

 

 II

Based on MDCPS Curriculum / Dance / Kindergarten (4)

https://www2.dadeschools.net/students/cbc/Volume%20III/Dance/Elementary/Grade%20K/Dance%20-%20K.pdf 

• Component I: Movement skills and underlying principles
  
• Learning Objective: Explores different levels of body movement
  
• Competency: The student can demonstrate levels of body movement 
  

 III

Main Lesson

 

 

 

 1

Hello

 

2

Clap Your Hands

3

Way Up High

4

The Dance Freeze Song

 

5

The Ants Go Marching

 

6

Crawling, Creeping and Walking Patterns: Scaly Little Lizard

7

Doudlebska Polka

8

Too Shy For Show And Tell - Overcoming Shyness Story

 

9

Listen and Move

 

10

 

Goodbye Song

IV 

A Note to Remember

 

Gross motor skill development involves the large muscles in the arms, legs and torso. Gross motor activities are important to everyday physical activities like walking, running, throwing, lifting, kicking, etc. Gross motor abilities also form the basis for fine motor skills and relate to body awareness, reaction speed, balance and strength.

 

 V

Case Study

 

Gross motor skills: Birth to 5 years 

When a child’s development is regularly missing milestones, one can assess development and address concerns. A child's development of gross motor skills could benefit from the application of DMT.  Dance and Movement therapy helps the child’s strength, balance, coordination and gross motor skills in order to determine barriers to safe body movement. Colorful Balance Stones For Kids, as seen above, is the type of manipulative that promotes toddlers' balance, strength & coordination. 

 

 

VI

References

1) Gross motor skills: Birth to 5 years. https://www.chrichmond.org/services/therapy-services/developmental-milestones/gross-motor-skills-birth-to-5-years

2) MDCPS Competency Based Curriculum.  Volume III. Dance. Elementary. Grade K. 

https://www2.dadeschools.net/students/cbc/Volume%20III/Dance/Elementary/Grade%20K/Dance%20-%20K.pdf

 

3) 8pc Balance Stepping Stones for Kids, Obstacle Course Stones for Indoor and Outdoor Fun. https://www.homedepot.com/p/8pc-Balance-Stepping-Stones-for-Kids-Obstacle-Course-Stones-for-Indoor-and-Outdoor-Fun-SNFBLNCSTN8/314326050

 

VII

 

Reflection 

The new toys ( Balance Stepping Stones) worked marbles. For all three groups of toddlers, the stepping pyramids were not only a fest of colors and grade shapes, but a new stimulus in the acquisition of balance, self-trust, independent movement, both locomotive and stationary.