Materials
Carpet squares, one for each child
Instructions
1. Provide each child with a carpet square and lots of space for creative movement.
2. Ask the children to sit on their carpet squares and scoot around the floor singing, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." (Make sure the carpet squares can slide along on the floor.)3. Ask them to suggest some ways to move with the carpet squares and encourage them to participate in the different ideas that are suggested. Here are some wonderful movement ideas:* dance on it, kneel on it, stand on it, and so on* place it between your legs* balance it on your head* hold it between your knees* stand on it like it was a surfboard/scooter/skateboard* lay the squares out like a hopscotch board* fly it like a flag* hold it like an umbrella* twirl around on it like a top* attach it to your back like a cape* push it around like a toy truck* place it under your arm like a package* toss it like a horseshoe* hold it like a plate* use it like a shovel* place one under each foot and shuffle along* pile them up like blocks4. These handy squares can provide lots of active and creative fun. Just keep asking the children, "What's your idea?" The ongoing list will amaze you. (It's important to be encouraging and accepting of each child's suggestion.)
