Great question, I'll share ideas from a training I do on toddlers and sensory experience, I think it pertains.
I start with a (sort of) trick question: has anyone ever seen a toddler walk of their own volition?
I ask the participants to think of a toddler, how do they naturally move?
Then the icebreaker can be to get up and try out all the kinds of toddler typical movements they can think of. (Hopefully running and falling will be high on the list, as well as crawling and creeping around obstacles and under tables.)
I Introduce the concepts: Vestibular System and Proprioception and the need to develop these senses in order to feel "right in your body." Which leads into risk management in all forms, but starts with your own body experiences, and the kinds of gross motor activities that support the development of these under-examined senses.
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Karen Lefkovitz
Independent Consultant
Philadelphia PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-14-2023 12:19 PM
From: Vicki Knauerhase
Subject: gross motor/physical activity training
An ice breaker I have enjoyed is:
-stand, walk and find a partner
-choose a motion (jump, clap hands, wiggle, turn around, high five, anything!) do it together
-find another partner and choose a different motion (helpful to repeat your sequence as each is added)
-find a third partner and choose another motion
(memory starts to go between 4 and 5 motions but repeat as long as interest allows)
To end, everyone stands in a circle and does their motion sequence at the same time for everyone else.
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Vicki Knauerhase M.Ed.
Child Development Specialist (retired)
Weston OH
Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2023 12:01 PM
From: Kelly Pfleging
Subject: gross motor/physical activity training
Hi there!
We would like to prepare a professional development training on the importance of gross motor movement and how to incorporate physical activity in to lesson plans. Does anyone have any good gross motor-themed ice breakers to begin our training with?
Thanks!
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Kelly Pfleging
Administrative Manager
The Oaks Children's Academy
Charleston SC
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