follow the leader

 Materials: None

 Introduction

Follow the leader is an old game that many of us might remember from our own childhood. It is a good way to teach children social compliance and to teach children to be more keenly aware of themselves in relation to other people. The game also promotes body awareness, body in space, and self-control.

 Objective/Purpose

Child will move body in a way indicated by leader.

 Procedure:

1. Start by making unusual movements with your arms and/or legs to catch the attention of the children, then ask if they can do what you are doing. You can also start this activity by doing a familiar finger play song that requires mimicked motion.

2. Tell the children that they will be participating in a game called 'Follow the Leader' and ask if anyone has ever played it before. If a child has played the game, allow the child to tell how the game is played.

3. Allow for questions about the procedure.

4. Demonstrate how to play the game follow the leader.

5. Chose a leader to have others follow.

6. Continue until everyone who wants has had a turn.

  Practice & Extended Activities:

 Set out a large mirror and allow children to observe themselves moving in front of the mirror. Children can also be encouraged to mimic the movements of other children moving next to them.

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                    The only language men ever speak perfectly is the one they learn in babyhood, when no one can teach them anything! -  Maria Montessori

02/14/2008