Body Part Brainstorm Warm-Up

Let's get our brains and bodies thinking about movement!

Instructions:

1. The teacher will call out a body part (e.g., "arms," "legs," "head," "fingers").
2. Your job, either individually or in small groups, is to quickly brainstorm and share as many different movements or activities as you can think of that involve that specific body part.
3. For each movement you come up with, briefly demonstrate it! (Keep it safe and in your personal space).
4. The teacher will write down ideas on the board.

Examples:

• Arms: Waving, throwing, catching, hugging, pushing, pulling, lifting, dancing, stretching.
  
• Legs: Running, jumping, kicking, walking, skipping, squatting, climbing, dancing, balancing.
  
• Head: Nodding, shaking, looking around, gentle stretches.
  
• Fingers: Typing, writing, pointing, grasping, snapping, wiggling.

This warm-up helps us realize how many different ways our bodies can move and how many activities involve movement!

Movement Charades Warm-Up

Let's get our bodies and brains warmed up! We're going to play a quick game of Movement Charades.

How to Play:

1. The teacher will show you a card with an activity on it.
2. Your job is to silently act out that activity. Don't make any noise!
3. Your classmates will try to guess what movement you are performing.
4. Once guessed correctly, the whole class can briefly do the movement together before the next card.

Movement Ideas (Teacher can prepare these on small cards or project them):

• Jumping rope
  
• Riding a bike
  
• Swimming
  
• Playing basketball
  
• Dancing
  
• Climbing stairs
  
• Gardening/Digging
  
• Walking a dog
  
• Doing a cartwheel (safely!)
  
• Skipping
  
• Playing soccer
  
• Rowing a boat
  
• Doing yoga poses
  
• Lifting weights (pretend)
  
• Hula hooping
  
• Surfing
  
• Playing tennis

This warm-up helps us think about different kinds of movement and gets our bodies ready to learn! You can choose to use this warm-up or the Body Part Brainstorm Warm-Up. Enjoy!

The Amazing Benefits of Being Active

Did you know that moving your body every day is like giving yourself superpowers? It's true! Regular physical activity helps you in so many ways, making you stronger, smarter, and happier.

Stronger Body, Stronger You!

When you run, jump, swim, or play sports, you're making your muscles and bones stronger. Think about it: athletes train to make their bodies powerful, and you can too! A strong body helps you do everyday things more easily, like carrying your backpack or climbing stairs. Plus, a healthy heart and lungs mean your body can work efficiently, giving you more energy to do the things you love.

Boost Your Brainpower

Movement isn't just good for your body; it's fantastic for your brain! When you exercise, your brain gets more oxygen and nutrients, which helps you think more clearly and focus better in school. It can even improve your memory, helping you remember facts for tests or the rules of a new game. Some studies even show that active kids tend to be more creative and solve problems faster!

A Happier You

Ever noticed how good you feel after running around outside or playing a fun game? That's because physical activity helps your body release special chemicals that can make you feel happier and less stressed. It's like a natural mood booster! Regular movement can help you feel more confident and even sleep better at night, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day.

Stay Healthy and Energized

Being active regularly helps your body fight off sickness and keeps you feeling energized throughout the day. Instead of feeling tired and sluggish, you'll have the get-up-and-go to enjoy all your favorite activities. It's a great way to take care of yourself and build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

So, whether it's playing tag with friends, riding your bike, dancing, or helping with chores, remember that every bit of movement counts! Your body and brain will thank you for it.

Movement Matters Brainstorm: Let's Talk About It!

Great job playing Movement Bingo! Now, let's take a few minutes to share our thoughts and ideas about why daily movement is so important. Work with your group or as a class to discuss these questions, and be ready to share your best ideas!

Discussion Questions:

1. What does "daily movement" mean to you? What kinds of activities do you already do that count as movement? (Think beyond just sports!)
   
   
   

2. How do you feel when you are active compared to when you haven't moved much? Describe the differences in your energy, your mood, or even how well you can focus.
   
   
   

3. What was one new "superpower" or benefit of movement that you learned or realized today, perhaps during our game? Why does that benefit seem important to you?
   
   
   

Movement Bingo: Unlock Your Superpowers!

Get ready to move and learn about the amazing benefits of physical activity! We're going to play Movement Bingo.

How to Play:

1. Each student will receive a Movement Bingo card (teacher will provide).
2. Your card will have different physical and mental benefits of movement listed in the squares.
3. The teacher will call out a movement activity (e.g., "Playing Tag," "Helping with Chores").
4. If you think that activity helps with a benefit on your card, mark that square! You can use The Amazing Benefits of Being Active as a reference.
5. The first student to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"

Teacher Notes for Bingo Card Creation:

Prepare Bingo cards with a 5x5 grid. The center square can be a "FREE SPACE."

Possible Benefits for Bingo Squares (mix and match to create unique cards):

• Stronger Muscles
• Stronger Bones
• Healthy Heart
• Healthy Lungs
• More Energy
• Better Balance
• Improved Coordination
• Improved Focus
• Sharper Memory
• Faster Thinking
• More Creative Ideas
• Boosts Happiness
• Less Stress
• Deeper Sleep
• Fall Asleep Faster
• Better Sleep Quality
• Fights off Sickness
• Feel More Confident
• Good for Physical Health
• Good for Brain Health
• Good for Mood
• Helps You Grow Stronger
• Makes You Feel Refreshed
• Helps You Feel Energized

Mindful Movement Cool-Down

Great job moving your bodies and brains today! Let's end our session with a calm and mindful cool-down to relax and reflect.

Instructions:

1. Find a comfortable space: Stand or sit comfortably, making sure you have a little room around you.
2. Deep Breaths: Close your eyes gently if you feel comfortable, or softly gaze at the floor. Take three slow, deep breaths in through your nose, feeling your belly rise, and out through your mouth, letting all the air go.
3. Gentle Neck Stretch: Slowly tilt your right ear towards your right shoulder. Hold for a few breaths. Gently bring your head back to center, then tilt your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold again. Repeat once more on each side.
4. Shoulder Rolls: Gently roll your shoulders forward in a circle three times, then roll them backward three times. Feel the tension release.
5. Arm Stretches: Extend one arm straight out in front of you, palm up. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back towards your body, feeling a stretch in your wrist and forearm. Switch arms. Now, reach one arm across your chest and use the other arm to gently pull it closer, stretching your shoulder. Switch arms.
6. Leg & Foot Wiggles (if standing): Gently shake out your legs, then wiggle your toes. If sitting, you can just wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles.
7. Final Reflection: Take one more deep breath. Think about how your body feels now compared to the beginning of class. Appreciate your body for all the amazing things it can do! You've unlocked some superpowers today!

This cool-down helps your body relax after activity and gives your mind a moment of peace.

Movement Bingo: Unlock Your Superpowers!

Get ready to move and learn about the amazing benefits of physical activity! We're going to play Movement Bingo.

How to Play:

1. Each student will receive a Movement Bingo card (teacher will provide).
2. Your card will have different physical and mental benefits of movement listed in the squares.
3. The teacher will call out a movement activity (e.g., "Playing Tag," "Helping with Chores").
4. If you think that activity helps with a benefit on your card, mark that square! You can use The Amazing Benefits of Being Active as a reference.
5. The first student to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"

Teacher Notes for Bingo Card Creation:

Prepare Bingo cards with a 5x5 grid. The center square can be a "FREE SPACE."

Possible Benefits for Bingo Squares (mix and match to create unique cards):

• Stronger Muscles
• Stronger Bones
• Healthy Heart
• Healthy Lungs
• More Energy
• Better Balance
• Improved Coordination
• Improved Focus
• Sharper Memory
• Faster Thinking
• More Creative Ideas
• Boosts Happiness
• Less Stress
• Deeper Sleep
• Fall Asleep Faster
• Better Sleep Quality
• Fights off Sickness
• Feel More Confident
• Good for Physical Health
• Good for Brain Health
• Good for Mood
• Helps You Grow Stronger
• Makes You Feel Refreshed
• Helps You Feel Energized

Movement Bingo: Unlock Your Superpowers!

Get ready to move and learn about the amazing benefits of physical activity! We're going to play Movement Bingo.

How to Play:

1. Each student will receive a Movement Bingo card (teacher will provide).
2. Your card will have different physical and mental benefits of movement listed in the squares.
3. The teacher will call out a movement activity (e.g., "Playing Tag," "Helping with Chores").
4. If you think that activity helps with a benefit on your card, mark that square! You can use The Amazing Benefits of Being Active as a reference.
5. The first student to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"

Teacher Notes for Bingo Card Creation:

Prepare Bingo cards with a 5x5 grid. The center square can be a "FREE SPACE."

Possible Benefits for Bingo Squares (mix and match to create unique cards):

• Stronger Muscles
• Stronger Bones
• Healthy Heart
• Healthy Lungs
• More Energy
• Better Balance
• Improved Coordination
• Improved Focus
• Sharper Memory
• Faster Thinking
• More Creative Ideas
• Boosts Happiness
• Less Stress
• Deeper Sleep
• Fall Asleep Faster
• Better Sleep Quality
• Fights off Sickness
• Feel More Confident
• Good for Physical Health
• Good for Brain Health
• Good for Mood
• Helps You Grow Stronger
• Makes You Feel Refreshed
• Helps You Feel Energized

Movement Bingo: Unlock Your Superpowers!

Get ready to move and learn about the amazing benefits of physical activity! We're going to play Movement Bingo.

How to Play:

1. Each student will receive a Movement Bingo card (teacher will provide).
2. Your card will have different physical and mental benefits of movement listed in the squares.
3. The teacher will call out a movement activity (e.g., "Playing Tag," "Helping with Chores").
4. If you think that activity helps with a benefit on your card, mark that square! You can use The Amazing Benefits of Being Active as a reference.
5. The first student to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"

Teacher Notes for Bingo Card Creation:

Prepare Bingo cards with a 5x5 grid. The center square can be a "FREE SPACE."

Possible Benefits for Bingo Squares (mix and match to create unique cards):

• Stronger Muscles
• Stronger Bones
• Healthy Heart
• Healthy Lungs
• More Energy
• Better Balance
• Improved Coordination
• Improved Focus
• Sharper Memory
• Faster Thinking
• More Creative Ideas
• Boosts Happiness
• Less Stress
• Deeper Sleep
• Fall Asleep Faster
• Better Sleep Quality
• Fights off Sickness
• Feel More Confident
• Good for Physical Health
• Good for Brain Health
• Good for Mood
• Helps You Grow Stronger
• Makes You Feel Refreshed
• Helps You Feel Energized

My Movement Plan Worksheet: Unlock Your Superpowers!

You've learned all about the amazing benefits of daily movement for your body and brain. Now it's time to think about how you can put this knowledge into action! Complete the questions below to create your own movement plan.

Part 1: Reflect on Your Current Movement

1. What are 3-5 ways you already get your body moving each day or week? (Think about school, home, playtime, etc.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How do these activities make you feel physically? (e.g., energized, tired, strong)
   
   
   
   

3. How do these activities make you feel mentally or emotionally? (e.g., happy, focused, calm)
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Discover New Movement Superpowers

4. Based on the lesson, what is one NEW benefit of movement that you learned today? Why does that benefit seem important to you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Think about your daily routine. What is one small, easy change you could make to add more movement to your day? (e.g., taking the stairs, walking an extra block, stretching)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: My Awesome Movement Plan

6. My Top 3 Movement Goals: List three specific ways you plan to increase your daily movement. These should be things you can realistically do!

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7. What is one challenge you might face when trying to be more active? How could you overcome that challenge?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Why is it important for YOU to stick to your movement plan? (Connect it to your personal benefits!)