Release energy and think about being a positive role model in this activity that focuses on providing instructions, processing information and relating to others.
What you’ll need: Music (see below), at least one other person
What’s it for?
This activity enables development of focus and attention, promotes being a positive role model, demonstrates leadership skills and encourages the exploration of large motor skills. Follow my leader interactions offers the opportunity to gain a sense of purpose, to build positive feelings of self-worth and to feel control over your environment which consequently fosters increased self-esteem and confidence.
Check In:
Notice how you’re feeling right now. Close your eyes and notice what’s going on inside your mind and body.
How are you feeling?
What are you thinking?
How does your body feel?
Method:
It’s time to move! Put on some marching music such as (younger children):
For older children, try:
Begin to march right and left on the spot to get warmed up!
Now take it in turns to ‘lead’ the activity and here are some ideas of what you can do (Remember to be safe in any movement you use!):
* Clap, crawl, walk, blow in the breeze like a tree, flap your arms like a chicken, hop, march, walk, spin, fall like a leaf, wiggle, fly like an aeroplane, twirl like a helicopter blade, shake your hips from side-to-side, crawl sideways like a crab, swim like a fish*
If you are the leader try to communicate your actions without the use of words
Use your imagination and think about what other movements you can ‘lead’ with!
Finish your activity by slowing down your marching and exhaling from 10-1 and finish
Now let someone else in your pair or group ‘lead’ the activities and see how it feels to be on the other side of ‘being led’
Extra Activity:
How about making up a dance routine using your marching skills and the various instructions that were used within your activity – take it in turns to ‘perform’ a show to each other and come up with a group dance and then video this to share with friends and family in a safe manner to make them smile during this time.
When you’ve finished, spend a moment reflecting on the activity and ask yourself the following questions:
How did it feel when you were the ‘leader’ during the activity?
How did it feel when you were being ‘led’ and were listening to the activities?
Did you prefer to be the ‘leader’ or being ‘led’ in interactions?
How did the movement help your focus and attention?
Did this activity alert you to listening closely to information and instructions?
How did you feel afterwards – better able to listen and more energised?
Conclusion:
This activity focuses on engaging positively together through creative ideas and imagination to enable better relationships, increased confidence and physically releasing energy and feeling empowered in our leadership role.
Take a moment to notice how you are feeling at the end of this activity. Did you discover anything surprising? What can you take away to make you feel better about yourself from this activity?
If you would like to, share something about your experience with this activity with someone you live with! Ask the person who looks after you to send us an email if you have any questions or comments about the activity, or would like to send us any pictures (info@catcorner.co.uk). Don't forget to subscribe for more fun CAT activities!
Created by Sarah Kong © June 2020
Creative Arts Used: Music and Dance
Psychological Areas Explored: Emotional Wellbeing, Relationships and Self-Exploration
If you enjoyed this activity, you might also like:
These activities could be done by children of all ages, but some may need the support of their parent or carer to read the instructions or complete the activity safely.
This website was made by CAT Corner to help you explore your feelings through fun creative arts activities. The people using the website and the people responsible for them need to make sure they stay safe (full disclaimer on About page).
Comments