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Paper Plate-Movement Sequence

Give two paper plates to each student. Then teach the class a dance sequence, such as:

Clap plates together - 4 counts
Move plates left, then right - 4 counts
Circle arms - 4 counts
Shake hands - 4 counts
Tap plate in right hand to left knee, left hand to right knee (repeat two times) - 8 counts
Tap plate in right hand to left toe, left hand to right toe (repeat two times) - 8 counts

Once students learn the sequence, set the activity to music.

Jump-Kick Coordination

This is a jumping activity. Explain to students that a jump means landing on two feet, and a straddle jump is a wide-stance jump. Set a timer for 45 seconds, or use a clock with a second hand. Call out the following sequence of moves:

Straddle jump
Jump feet together
Straddle
Together
Kick right foot forward
Together
Kick left foot forward
Together

How many entire sequences can the class do in 45 seconds? Try again, to see if the class can improve that number.

Front of the Line

Organize students into small groups of three or four and have them stand in a line. Designate the person at the front of the line as the leader. When you make the signal, the leader leads her group in an exercise. If space permits, the lines can move throughout the room following their leader; if not, tell students to do the exercises in place. At your signal, the leader moves to the end of the line and the second person becomes the leader and selects the exercise. Continue this activity until each student has had the opportunity to be the leader.

Push-Up-Reaction Time

Prepare a list of questions that you want students to answer as a review. Organize students into pairs and have each pair select a small object, such as an eraser, to use in the activity. Have each student face his partner in the push-up position, and place the object in between them. Explain that the goal of the activity is for one person to grab the object and not have his hand tagged by the other person. Only the person who knows the answer to the question you pose can reach for the object. Play the game three or four times, then allow students to switch partners and try again.