Materials
Aisle (see activity)
Instructions
1. Create an aisle in the classroom. Some suggestions are: a chalk-drawn aisle, rug, runner, piece of fabric, sheet, rope, lined-up chairs, children lined up, wooden blocks, or balance beams.
2. This is an opportunity for each child to be highlighted. Encourage each child to move down the aisle in his own way. You will want to assist in the activity by calling out the child's name and asking him to identify the movement he has in mind. This can be sung to the tune of "Shortenin' Bread" or any other tune.
3. For example:* Here comes Mary, walking down the aisle; here comes Mary, walking down the aisle.* Here comes Johnny, crawling down the aisle; here comes Johnny crawling down the aisle.* Here comes Sally, flying down the aisle; here comes Sally, flying down the aisle.
4. Other movements might include galloping, slithering, twirling, sliding, waddling, walking backwards, swimming, crab walking, and walking with eyes closed or hands on hips.
5. Encourage the children to attach creative names to their movements. For example, Jumpin' Jasper, Boing Boing, Tigger Bounce, Skipple, Cherry Picking, or Chocolate Hipple Dance.
