Kinesthetic Math and Language Lessons, 2nd Edition

By Susan Kramer

Included are 48 beginning and advanced kinesthetic mini-lessons for preschool, pre-K, and K-6 students in math, language, and the one-hand alphabet. A useful manual for the classroom or homeschooling to spark enthusiasm with students of different abilities and learning styles. Lessons can be adapted for special needs students. 9,700 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781447544210

Book preview

By Susan Kramer

Kinesthetic Math and Language Lessons, 2nd Edition

Copyright 2021 Susan Kramer

ISBN: 9781447544210

Lulu Enterprises Publisher

Elementary and Middle School: basic skills

All Rights Reserved.

Text, Photography, Illustrations by Susan Kramer.

Language: English

USA

Part I - Lessons for Ages 5 to 8

Introduction

This text/workbook draws on my experience as a dance specialist since 1965 while teaching basic academic concepts using a series of sequentially more complex rhythmic body movements combined and expanded into patterns.

Language, reading, math, writing

science, humanities, technology, the arts

contain rhythmic elements or patterns.

Patterns of rhythmic movement using opposition of arms and legs help develop right-left brain linkage.

Example: walking steps with arms swinging at sides; as left foot steps forward, right arm swings forward.

The nerve endings in sense organs feed the brain information for analysis and reflection through hearing; seeing; feeling in muscles, on skin and in motion; tasting; smelling.

1. Practice with Letter Shapes

Straight line, Curve, Circle

Stretch up straight with arms overhead to make body as a straight line.

When stretched up straight bend body and arms to one side to form body into a curved shape.

Hold arms overhead, hands touching for a circle shape.

2. Outlining Alphabet Letters in the Air

Printing or Cursive

Students clasp hands together in front on themselves either while sitting or standing.

Teacher sits or stands with her/his back facing students in front of them.

Teacher clasps hands together and while keeping hands clasped traces an alphabet letter shape in the air in front of and just above head height so students can see the shape being made.

Students join in copying teacher, keeping their hands clasped, while making the letter shape.

3. Language - Words and Sentences

Words

Form the shape of a letter with the whole body; lying down or standing.

To work out a word, have student first form shapes of all letters in the word, then plan the connecting movement as the most direct way to go from letter to letter.

Form a capital letter beginning a word at a high level; remaining letters at middle or low level.

Shape punctuation marks: period, commas, dashes, exclamation points, question marks.

Form complete sentences

Students move through their words in the sentence one at a time, ending with appropriate punctuation.

4. One Syllable Words - Spelling and Singing

This is a way of learning to spell through song and rhythmic clapping, and is for all 3 types of learners - auditory, visual and kinesthetic.

The technique incorporates seeing, listening, and moving - seeing the word on paper; listening to the individual letter sung; clapping each separate letter.

Ages: After students recognize the printed letters of the alphabet.

Preparation:

A list of printed words is laid on the desk in front of student. At