This lesson is to help toddlers and preschoolers understand the concept of "vertical" by doing various moving games. The lesson can be of benefit to most children of varying abilities.

Written language and math use vertical shapes, so any head start activities toddlers and preschoolers can learn will be an advantage for kindergarten and beyond.

The vertical shape is so basic to math. Think of "1" or "11" - and how "1" is repeated every 10 numbers, and in language the vertical down stroke begins many letters in printing. These are just a couple of the basic examples from written math and language.

Stretching in vertical lines

Have enough clear space ready. If you are using an indoor space clear the center of the room by pushing the furniture toward the walls.

It is best to wait half an hour after eating to do physical activities.

Children should wear comfortable clothes for moving about.

1. Stretch up high with arms together overhead to form a long vertical shape like a high rise building.

2. Ask the children to stand in line and remark they are like the posts of a fence. That gives them an image of vertical.

3. Have children pretend to be tall pine trees growing straight up.

4. Children can pretend to be the metal poles that hold STOP signs.

5. Children can run to the corners of the room and notice the corner is a vertical shape from floor to ceiling.

6. Have children bend over to touch their toes making a vertical shape of their arms and legs.

Homepage for Toddlers and Preschoolers
How to Teach Motor Skills

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Rhythms and Dances for Toddlers and Preschoolers
How to teach toddlers and preschoolers rhythms, floor exercises, large motor skills, expressive dance, kinesthetic mini-lessons and full dances in a 98 pages including photos and illustrations.


Article by Susan Kramer