Toddlers and preschoolers can have fun learning the diagonal line and direction through kinesthetic movement games.

The diagonal is used in math to turn a square shape into 2 triangles and to transform a rectangle into a parallelogram, for example. In language several printed letters have diagonal shapes such as "M" and "N" in capitals.

Learning about diagonals is a step ahead for kindergarten.

Here are some movement games

When working with a group of children indoors, clear enough space to be able to move freely.

Wait half an hour after eating before moving vigorously.

Treat the games as play so there is no pressure to perform the skill while learning.

1. March or gallop from front corner to opposite back corner of room. Tell the children this makes a diagonal line.

2. Hold arms out to side on a diagonal - one arm halfway between shoulder and overhead height, and the other arm between shoulder and leg. That forms the long straight diagonal line. Then, reverse arm positions.

3. With masking tape lay out large diagonal shapes on the floor for children to walk or gallop along.

4. Lay out masking tape in a large letter "X" on the floor and for variety, march down the blank sides, and gallop on the diagonal lines.

5. Have 4 children lie on the floor in an "X" shape. Do this by having the children line up their feet at the center, so their bodies form one spoke of the "X" shape.

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