Our exercises are designed to integrate skip counting into the minds of young children. Engaging in 12 minutes of Math & Movement activities can transform students’ math ability.
Finding 12 minutes can be easier than it seems. A few activities sprinkled throughout the day can quickly add up to meaningful playful practice.
For example, a class working on skip counting by sixes could begin with Criss Cross Applesauce during morning meeting, adding about one minute of practice.
At mid-morning, while students are at their desks, they could do a tapping-at-the-table exercise such as Criss Cross Tap for sixes, adding another minute.
After that, students could push their chairs back and count the first five multiples of six while crossing left elbow to right knee and right elbow to left knee. Each round takes only a few seconds, and the class can continue for about a minute if possible.
You can go around the room asking each student to recite “6, 12, 18, 24, 30.” Listening to classmates reinforces the numbers and adds more practice.
You can also develop movements to do in the hallway. For example, students might cross right hand to left hip, left hand to right hip, right hand to left shoulder, left hand to right shoulder, then touch their head with both hands and clap while saying 6. Practice the routine in the classroom before taking it to the hallway. A student leader can guide the hallway activity during the next transition.
After recess, a Math ’n Yoga activity can help students calm down. During the mid-afternoon lull, a movement like Jaguar Tummy Rub or a sixes twist can revive students and improve focus.
At the end of the day, an older can come into the class to lead a movement. This creates a leadership opportunity for the older student and gives younger students one more reason to get packed up quickly and participate.
At dismissal, students can even march out of the building counting the multiples of six. It is the end of the day, hooray!
Reflect: Build a 12-minute practice plan using one concept.
