Sliding is a rhythmic motor skill that can be done sideways, moving forward, or moving backward. The sliding rhythmic motor skill precedes hopping and jumping in difficulty.

The whole series of 16 large rhythmic motor skills beginning with the easiest to most complex includes: walking, running, marching, galloping, sliding, hopping, jumping, leaping, pedaling, prancing, toe pointing, skipping, waltzing, minuet, schottische, polka.

For kids that have learning disabilities, assist by holding one or both their hands while they practice any of the motor skills.

Sliding technique

Moving forward and backward: The lead foot alternates such as in walking, but instead of lifting the foot off the floor, the sole of the foot stays on the floor and pushes forward in the space of a giant step. Or, if moving backward, one foot at a time slides backward, which is more difficult than moving forward.

Both knees are bent. Feet begin with heels touching, and each slide passes by the other foot, heels briefly almost touching.

Arms can be held out to the sides for balance or in opposition: when the right foot is in front the left arm is in front, and when the left foot is in front the right arm is in front. Each slide forward is equally accented. Slide, slide, slide, slide, 1, 2, 3, 4.

Sliding lessons

Preparation: Make enough space for the kids to move without bumping into furniture. Some ideas include using the front of the classroom with furniture scooted back; the center of the room; the wooden stage in a multi-purpose room. A tiled or wood floor surface is best for sliding.

Have students stand in a group at the back of the space facing you, the teacher, at the front.

Ask students to do 8 slides forward toward you. Now for the harder part - ask students to do 8 slides moving backward to their starting position. If it is too difficult for them to slide backwards just leave the lesson for later in the year.

Repeat the lessons with 4 slides forward and 4 backward. Then 2 slides moving forward, and 2 slides moving backward, which is much harder and a more advanced skill.

If your students have trouble learning to count, it is an activity that will help give meaning to numbers: The movement and rhythm of the students in the group will carry them along.

All 16 basic rhythmic motor skills and dances for practice are in my book:
Rhythms and Dances for School Age Kids


Article by Susan Kramer