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Move It, Groove It!

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Lesson Plan

Move It, Groove It!

Students will actively participate in a movement-based warm-up, follow instructions, and reflect on how physical activity impacts their focus and energy for learning.

This lesson helps students transition into learning by boosting energy, improving focus, and fostering a positive classroom environment through active engagement. It connects physical well-being with mental readiness.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through guided movement activities and a brief reflection, students will prepare their bodies and minds.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Movement Opener Slides, Movement Opener Script, and Movement Mayhem Warm-Up

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "How do you feel when you first come into class?" (tired, excited, sleepy, etc.)
  • Explain that today's activity will help them wake up their bodies and minds.
  • Introduce the idea that movement can help us learn better. (Refer to Movement Opener Slides - Slide 1)

Step 2

Movement Mayhem Activity

15 minutes

Step 3

Reflection & Cool Down

10 minutes

  • Bring students back to their seats.
  • Lead a brief discussion using prompts from the Movement Opener Script:
    • "How do you feel now compared to the beginning of class?"
    • "What did you notice about your body and mind during the activity?"
    • "How might moving our bodies help us focus during class?"
  • Thank students for their participation and transition to the next lesson. (Refer to Movement Opener Slides - Slide 6)
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Slide Deck

Move It, Groove It! Get Ready to Learn!

How do you feel right now?

  • Tired?
  • Excited?
  • Sleepy?
  • Ready to go?

Welcome students and gauge their initial energy levels. Explain the purpose of the activity.

Warm-Up Wave!

Stand up, stretch high, and slowly touch your toes. Repeat 3 times.

  • Reach for the sky!
  • Touch your toes!
  • Feel the stretch!

Introduce the first movement. Model the action and encourage students to try it.

Shake It Out!

Shake your hands, then your feet, then your whole body for 15 seconds!

  • Let loose!
  • Get those wiggles out!
  • Feel the energy!

Introduce the second movement. Emphasize light, quick movements.

Mindful March!

March in place, lifting your knees high. As you march, think of one thing you're excited to learn today.

  • High knees!
  • Focus on your breath!
  • What's on your mind?

Introduce the third movement. Focus on balance and controlled motion.

Creative Calm!

Move freely for 30 seconds as if you are swimming through water or floating on a cloud. Then, freeze in a statue pose.

  • Flow like water!
  • Be a statue!
  • Find your balance!

Introduce the fourth movement. Encourage creative and varied motions.

Reflect & Connect

How do you feel now?

  • More awake?
  • More focused?
  • Ready to learn?

How can movement help us in class?

Bring students back to their seats and facilitate a brief reflection. Connect movement to readiness for learning.

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Script

Movement Opener Script: Move It, Groove It!

Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Settle into your seats for just a moment. I have a question for you: How do you typically feel when you first walk into class? You can think to yourself or share a quick word!"




Teacher: "Sometimes we come in feeling sleepy, sometimes excited, sometimes a bit distracted. Today, we're going to try something a little different to help us all get ready for learning. We're going to use movement! Why do you think moving our bodies might help our brains get ready for school?"




Teacher: "That's right! Movement can help us wake up, focus our minds, and even boost our energy. Our goal today is to get our bodies and brains connected and ready to learn."

(Display Movement Opener Slides - Slide 1)

Movement Mayhem Activity (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, everyone! Let's clear some space around your desks if you need to, and stand up safely. We're going to go through a few different movements together. The most important thing is to participate and have fun! If you're comfortable, feel free to play some upbeat instrumental music in the background to add to the energy!"

(Display Movement Opener Slides - Slide 2)

Teacher: "First up, let's do the Warm-Up Wave! I want you to stand tall, reach your hands as high as you can towards the ceiling, stretching your whole body. Now, slowly bend down and try to touch your toes, feeling a good stretch. Let's do that together three times. Reach up high... and touch your toes. Great!"

(Pause for students to complete the movement. Model with them.)

(Display Movement Opener Slides - Slide 3)

Teacher: "Next, it's time to Shake It Out! We're going to shake out our hands, then our feet, and then our whole body! For the next 15 seconds, just shake out any wiggles or extra energy you have. Ready? Go! Shake, shake, shake!"

(Allow 15 seconds for shaking. Encourage laughter and fun.)

(Display Movement Opener Slides - Slide 4)

Teacher: "Wonderful! Now let's try a Mindful March! March in place, lifting your knees high like you're marching in a parade. As you march, I want you to quietly think of one thing you're excited to learn in school today, or one thing you're grateful for. Let's march for about 30 seconds. High knees!"

(Allow 30 seconds for marching.)

(Display Movement Opener Slides - Slide 5)

Teacher: "Fantastic marching! Our final movement is Creative Calm! For the next 30 seconds, I want you to move your body freely as if you are swimming through calm water or floating gently on a cloud. Be creative with your movements, but keep them gentle and flowing. After 30 seconds, when I say 'freeze!', I want you to stop and hold a statue pose. Ready? Begin your creative calm!"

(Allow 30 seconds of free movement, then say "Freeze!")

Teacher: "Hold that pose! Great statues, everyone!"

Reflection & Cool Down (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, let's slowly and calmly make our way back to our seats. Take a deep breath as you sit down."

(Display Movement Opener Slides - Slide 6)

Teacher: "Now that we've moved our bodies, let's reflect a little. How do you feel now compared to when we first started our movement opener? Do you feel more awake? More focused?"




Teacher: "What did you notice about your body or your mind during the activities? Was it easier to concentrate after moving?"




Teacher: "Why do you think an activity like this, where we move our bodies, might be helpful for our learning in class? How can it help us be better students?"




Teacher: "Thank you all for participating so enthusiastically! Remember, sometimes a little movement can make a big difference in how ready we feel to learn. Now, let's transition into our next subject feeling energized and focused!"

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Warm Up

Movement Mayhem Warm-Up

This warm-up is designed to get your body moving and your brain ready for learning! Follow your teacher's lead and have fun!

Instructions:

  1. Warm-Up Wave!

    • Stand tall and reach your hands high towards the ceiling, stretching your whole body.
    • Slowly bend down and touch your toes.
    • Repeat this sequence 3 times, feeling a good stretch each time.

  2. Shake It Out!

    • Shake your hands for a few seconds.
    • Shake your feet for a few seconds.
    • Now, shake your whole body gently for about 15 seconds! Get all those wiggles out!

  3. Mindful March!

    • March in place, lifting your knees high.
    • As you march, think quietly about one thing you are excited to learn today or one thing you are grateful for.
    • Continue marching for about 30 seconds.

  4. Creative Calm!

    • Move your body freely and gently for 30 seconds, imagining you are swimming through water or floating on a cloud. Be creative!
    • When your teacher says "Freeze!" stop immediately and hold a statue pose for a few seconds.

Reflection Questions (to be discussed as a class):

  • How do you feel now compared to the beginning of class?
  • What did you notice about your body and mind during the activities?
  • How might moving our bodies help us focus and learn better in class?
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Move It, Groove It! • Lenny Learning