Move the Way You Feel - Activity Instructions

Tune In

During this activity, children will be exploring the affect external stimuli can have on our bodies and our actions. Explain to the children. “Lots of things can affect the way we feel, and many of these things are also outside of our control. However we can practice getting better at controlling our body when we feel different ways.”

Find Out

Brainstorm situations that have different effects on our bodies and emotions. This can be extended to also ask children what they could do when they find themselves in that situation to help themselves. For example

When I get too hot, I get really grumpy…I could have a big drink and sit down in the shade to cool down a bit.
When I’m in a really busy place, I feel scared….so I take deep breaths and stay really close to my family.
When I get really mad, my muscles get tight, and I feel like I could hit someone…so I stamp my feet so that no one gets hurt and my muscles can release all their energy.

Link back to Charlie’s Tales: Dara and the Moonlight Cub and reflect on what the lion cubs did when they need a rest:

One cub stopped and rested when her paws were sore.
Another cub had a nap when she was tired.

Take Action

Play different snippets of music - varying in pace, volume and rhythm.

Some examples below:

When each sample of music plays, invite children to move in a way that matches the music and the feelings this generates in their bodies. Continue the dancing, while also reflecting on the movements. You may like to describe some of the movements some of the children are making or ask children to describe their own moves or mood for each sample of music.

After the group activity is completed, it is the perfect time to ask the children to take a moment to tune in and listen to their bodies.

“We’ve just asked our bodies to do a lot of moving with all of that dancing. Now, listen to what your body needs. You might be thirsty and need a drink, your body might be tired and need a rest, you might feel like doing a different activity, or maybe your body felt really great moving and dancing and releasing some energy, and you’d like to keep dancing.”

Move the Way You Feel

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