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Movement

40 minutes

Individual and whole group

Name Dance Party

Week 1 Activity - Detailed Instructions

Learning Objectives

Students will recognize and celebrate their names
Students will create movements to represent letters
Students will develop gross motor skills and rhythm

Materials Needed

Music player and upbeat songs
Name cards for each student
Open space for movement
Scarves or ribbons (optional)
Camera for recording performances

Preparation Steps

1Clear a large space for movement
2Prepare name cards with large, clear letters
3Choose energetic, child-friendly music
4Practice some letter movements to demonstrate

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Start with a warm-up dance to get everyone moving

2

Show students their name cards and count the letters together

3

Demonstrate how to make movements for different letters (A = arms up, B = bounce, etc.)

4

Give students time to practice movements for each letter in their name

5

Encourage creativity - there's no wrong way to move!

6

Have each student perform their name dance for the class

7

End with a whole-class dance party using everyone's movements

Assessment

Observe students' letter recognition in their names
Note creativity and confidence in movement creation
Document participation and encouragement of classmates
Assess gross motor coordination and rhythm

Teaching Tips

Start with shorter names and work up to longer ones
Encourage students to help classmates think of movements
Take videos of performances to share with families
Consider making this a regular morning meeting activity

Extension Activities

Additional ways to extend and enrich this learning experience

1
Create movements for the whole alphabet
2
Spell and dance other important words (school name, etc.)
3
Teach traditional name songs and chants
4
Have students create dances for family members' names

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