Materials
yoga mats (optional)
Instructions
1. Have the children squat in a circle in an open area (or place yoga mats in a
circle and squat on these).
2. Crouch down with the children and hold up your hand showing three fingers.
Count down verbally as you take away one finger at a time: "Three! Two!
One! Jump!"
3. Jump like popcorn up into the air, and land in the same spot in a crouching
position.
4. Repeat and have the children countdown with you. You can build the
anticipation by counting down from four, five, or any number up to 10.
5. Finally, have the children shout, "Popcorn!" as they jump in the air.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* After doing a verbal countdown several times, tell the children that your
fingers are now going to do the count, in silence. "Watch closely!" How quiet
can they be while waiting to jump and shout? After this you might choose to
do the count and the jump in silence (though this is maybe not as fun).
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
* Do the children enjoy the anticipation of waiting for the big jump?
* When doing the silent countdown version, do the children become aware of
the sounds in the room and the sounds that they are making?
