After warm-up in my preschool gymnastics classes (and sometimes in dance, too), I do a conditioning portion of class. One of our all-time favorites is "Animal Conditioning. Each animal has a picture in my bag. One at a time, students pick a picture out of my bag and we do that animal's movement across the floor. I usually say, … [Read More...]
Lesson Plans
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold and the Purple Crayon (Purple Crayon Books) is one of those beloved classics. You've read it, your parents have read it, and maybe your grandparents, too! … [Read More...]
Love and Valentines
I love dance. I love teaching. And I LOVE my students! As I pulled this lesson out to put it up on the blog, this valentine from last year fell out. Happy smiles! … [Read More...]
Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader by Erica Silverman is the story of two brothers who play follow the leader. They do all kinds of activities and use their imaginations … [Read More...]
Dance Games
Secret Agents
Some dear friends in college taught me this variation on The Dice Game. It's a great way to involve boys and unwilling … [Read More...]
Chicken in a Hen House
Okay, so this post has absolutely nothing to do with real chickens. And I don't know why the game is named Chicken in a … [Read More...]
Fitness
Workout of the Week – Spell Your Name
This week's Workout of the Week is just plain fun! Not a lot of competition and no time limit. When you're done, … [Read More...]
Workout of the Week – Hill Training
All you need for today's workout is a hill (or a field, parking lot, trail, etc.) and some medium weight dumbbells. I … [Read More...]