"As a new Kindergarten teacher, this book will stay on my desk and
the activities in it will be included in all my lesson plans.
Written to use with preschool children to third graders, the author
encourages caregivers to use movement, but movement with a purpose.
Not just for teachers, anyone exposed to children who can't sit
still and focus for periods of time needs to read this book. The
author has a background as a teacher and trainer of dancers and
athletes. Unfortunately she passed away last year, but I am
thrilled that she left behind this valuable tool. The first thing I
learned was that when I have my kids stretch in the classroom
without a specific purpose in mind, I can be setting the scene for
kids who can't calm down -- which is the opposite of what I would
expect! Now I know that doing balance exercises are more
appropriate for getting a class to calm down and concentrate.
Before we see instructions for each activity, Davis takes the time
to explain why they are important. I could see this text being read
in a college education class, because she reminds us of the value
of movement in all areas of development for children. She has loads
of activities that can be used with different subjects as an
effective supplement to curriculum. I love that there are
activities to support math and science, like making human links to
show numbers and addition or subtraction answers. Davis stresses
the importance of movement for other reasons, such as encouraging
creativity. Her list of selfesteem exercises is wonderful. Who ever
heard of foot applause? But I can't wait to use it in my classroom
come September. She includes three teaching styles that we can use
to implement movement more effectively based on our preferences.
The activities are divided into five categories and each category
is subdivided making it especially easy to find the perfect
activity for your needs, and that of your children. Information is
also included like the appropriate age, size of group or space and
other details that can be useful in planning. Scripts are included
as needed and an occasional picture is added for clarity. This is
the type of book you can use in a variety of ways. New teachers
will want to read it cover to cover and one more time. More
experienced educators will go to the comprehensive list of games
and pick the appropriate one for the day's lesson. Parents might
just look for the fun ones and see what happens. There are even
imagination exercises. Can you envision the fun the kids will have
cleaning the classroom with imaginary tools? Don't delay in picking
up this useful book, 404 Deskside Activities for Energetic Kids by
Barbara Davis, and start reading it now. It's never too late to
learn some new tricks! -Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader
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