Materials
- Uncarpeted floor space large enough to accommodate the group
What to do
1. Talk about skating, both on ice and in-line. Let the children pretend to skate on the floor. Why do some have an easier time than others? Friction! Depending on the soles of their shoes, some will slide more easily than others.
Note: A child who is motor-impaired can work with a partner, who takes the shoe and rubs it on the floor to see if it slides or sticks.
2. Compare shoe soles of those who slid easily with the soles of those who stuck to the floor.
3. Classify the children's shoes, grouping sneakers, shoes, boots, etc.
More to do
- Art: Children can dip the soles of old shoes in paint and make footprints on a mural or craft paper. Compare footprints.
- Science: If appropriate, children can remove shoes and "skate" in their sock feet. Play a tape for background music.
-Margery A. Kranyik, Hyde Park, MA
