Note! These activities are good to do before a lesson because they “erase” the brain and get it ready to begin something new.
Hint! Let children put a piece of painter’s tape on their midline to increase their awareness when you do these activities.
Thumbs up (Children stick out right thumb.)
Across the chest (Stretch right thumb to left shoulder.)
Pat on the back (Pat left shoulder with right hand.)
Cause you’re the best. (Hug self with both arms.)
Repeat with left thumb.
Cross and Tap
Materials: None
Directions: Touch right hand to left knee and then touch left hand to right knee. Continue touching opposite hands to knees.
Adaptations: Lift left knee and touch with right elbow. Lift right knee and touch with left elbow.
Skills: Count, say the ABC’s, repeat nursery rhymes, and so forth as you cross and tap.
Materials: None
Directions: Touch right hand to left knee and then touch left hand to right knee. Continue touching opposite hands to knees.
Adaptations: Lift left knee and touch with right elbow. Lift right knee and touch with left elbow.
Skills: Count, say the ABC’s, repeat nursery rhymes, and so forth as you cross and tap.
Backwards Touch
Materials: None
Directions: Lift left foot behind you and stretch back with right hand and touch. Reverse for the right foot and left hand.
Adaptations: Keep time to music as you do the backwards stretch.
Skills: Read word wall words, say the months, etc. as you touch backwards.
Crazy Eights
Materials: None
Directions: Make the figure eight in front of you with your right hand and then your left hand. Make “lazy” eights by making eight laying down with your right hand. Make lazy eights with your left hand.
Adaptations: Clasp your right and left hand and make large lazy eights.
Hint! Use streamers or scarves for this activity.
Catch a Star
Materials: None
Directions: Reach with right hand up in the air to your left and pretend to catch a star. Then reach with your left hand up in the air to your right and catch a star.
Adaptations: Ask children to recall something they learned as they catch a star.
Windmills
Materials: None
Directions: Stretch out feet. Touch right hand to left foot. Stand. Touch left hand to right foot.
Skills: Count, say the ABC’s, etc. as you exercise
Pat on the Back
Materials: None
Directions: Alternate patting the back of your left shoulder with your right hand and then pat your right shoulder with your left hand.
Adaptations: Children repeat this phrase as they do the motions.
Climbing
Materials: None
Directions: Act like you are climbing a ladder as you reach up with your right hand and lift your left knee. Reach with your left hand and lift your right knee.
Nose and Ears
Materials: None
Directions: Touch right ear with left hand and place right hand on your nose. Touch left ear with right hand and place left hand on your nose.
Adaptations: Touching ears with opposite hands do squats.
Breath in as you squat down and breath out as you come up.
Toe Writing
Materials: none
Directions: Cross right leg over left knee and write the letters of the alphabet with the toes on your right foot. Then cross your left foot over your right knee and write the alphabet letters backwards with your left toes.
Here is a video where children can sing, move, and cross the midline.
Jump Up, Turn Around, Cross the Midline
