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with one action word on each card like walk, skip, gallop, slide, crawl, roll, tiptoe, hop, jump and stomp. Kids move around the room doing the skill on the card in front of them. When they hear a signal they stop at a different card and when signaled again they do the new skill.

In "Paper Plate Balancing" each child balances a plate on part of the body as they move around the room. When it falls off, they balance it on another part of the body.

SOCIALIZATION SKILLS

Even if it is just you and your child dancing to the radio, he/she will learn how to relate to you through movement. If children are working with other kids, they can improve their socialization skills. Group activities require teamwork and leadership skills.

In the "Moving Machine" activity children join the group one at a time and become a machine part that must relate to the rest of the group. It's fun to add a machine sound to each movement. When done, you will have a giant machine with really cool sounds.

COGNITIVE SKILLS

Research shows that movement is the young child's preferred mode of learning-because they best understand concepts when they're physically experienced. For instance, if they become the shape of the letter "C," they will remember it better. The children will increase their awareness of the space around them and the shape of different objects.

Participating in movement exploration activities will build their vocabulary and language skills as well. Following the directions will increase their concentration span and listening skills. As their movement vocabulary increases they will develop different ways to solve problems.

This article can only serve as an introduction to this enormous topic. A great blog that deals with this subject is http://educationtipster.blogsp ot.com It is my hope that after experiencing some of these activities with your children you will be inspired to create your own activities. The possibilities are endless, so have fun.

Learn more about this author, Kathy Stemke.
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