Lab 2 - Singing to Movement Activities

1. Explain why exercises such as sit-ups and push-ups have to be modified for kindergarten and first grade students in the DVL 1 group.
If regular kindergarten and first grade students were to attempt to do a regular sit-up/push-up it would be quite the terrible sight. Students would mainly only be able to perform one push-up, their form would be horrible and they might hurt themselves doing it the wrong way. If you as a teacher were to modify the exercises, make them simpler or more "fun to do" the students would get more out of doing them. In Lab 2, we did the modified push-up/sit-ups and I personally felt a good workout from them. So a modified exercise is definitely a must for younger students!

2. Why is rhythmic activity important for young children?
Children have a natural urge for rhythmic expression. During an internship at Erie Community College, I spent 30 hours with elementary aged students and let me tell you, rhythmic activity was quite a big part in many lesson. The teacher I was observing incorporated music into almost every lesson. She used music as both a way to get her students actively moving during her lessons and also as a signal for attention. When music was playing, her students were allowed to move around, but once the music stopped, her students knew right away to stop what they were doing, put their equipment down and freeze, and then wait for further directions. I thought it was awesome! Basically, music get the students moving, which is definitely a must in Physical Education!

3. Define laterality and explain why tracing giant letters helps reinforce cognitive learning. 
Laterality is the preference that most humans show for one side of their body over the other. For example, some people are left-handed and other or right-handed meaning that they use there left hand more often then their right or vise versa. I personally am right-handed. Tracing giant letters into the air gives each student the ability to use their imagination and also can work on their spelling. According to the days lesson, the teacher told us to use our imagination in order spell our name as BIG as possible. Both of these concepts involve each student to strengthen their cognitive abilities.

4. Why are educators concerned about young children not being able to keep an internal beat?
Educators are concerned about young students not being able to keep an internal beat because, many movement patterns are associated with some sort of beat. For example, galloping involves the beat/pattern of quick-quick ... quick-quick ... quick-quick. Basically, being able to keep an internal beat is great for activities in Jump Jim Joe. The teacher asked us students to come up with our own motor movements based on the "beat" she gave us.

5. Define homo-lateral and cross lateral movements.

• Homo-lateral movement (asymmetrical movement of one upper limb and the lower limb on the same side)
• Cross-lateral movements are those in which arms and legs cross over from one side of the body to the other. 

Speed Stacking is a great activity for students to increase their cross-lateral movements!