Lesson: Paper Dolls Teamwork & Locomotor

Grades: Elementary

Objectives:

• Students will be able to move their bodies in different ways, including locomotor skills, manipulative skills, and non-locomotor skills.
• Students will be able to work together as a team to complete tasks.
• Students will be able to use their imaginations to create and act out different scenarios.
• Students will be able to create a visual representation of the paper dolls. (Optional art project)

Materials:

• Copy of The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson
• Open space
• Obstacles (e.g., cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, tunnels)
• Short pool noodles (Optional, if prefer no hand holds)
• Art supplies (e.g., paper, crayons, markers, scissors) (Optional)

Introduction:

• Read the book or play read aloud video.
• Explain to the students that they will be working in groups of 3-5 people for the entire lesson.
• Have the students form their groups and hold hands (or hold a short pool noodle if needed).
• Explain to the students that they will be performing all of the exercises and activities in their groups.

Warm-up:

• Have the students hold hands and perform the following movements together as a team:
  • Walking
  • Running
  • Skipping
  • Jumping
  • Hopping
  • Galloping
  • Side-stepping
  • Backwards walking
  • Zig-zagging
  • Weaving through obstacles
  • Following a leader
  • Mirror dancing

Obstacle course:

1. Create an obstacle course that includes a variety of challenges, such as:
   • Crawling through a tunnel
   • Jumping over cones
   • Balancing on a beam
   • Throwing a ball into a hoop
   • Climbing over a ladder
2. Have the students complete the obstacle course while holding hands (or holding a short pool noodle if needed)

Modifications for kids with special needs:

• If a student has difficulty holding hands, they can hold a short pool noodle instead.
• An adult can join one of the groups to provide assistance and support.
• Modified exercises or obstacle course

Assessment:

Observe the students during the warm-up, obstacle course, and optional art project to assess their ability to move their bodies in different ways, work together as a team, use their imaginations, and create a visual representation of the paper dolls. You can also ask the students questions about the lesson, such as:

• What was your favorite part of the lesson?
• How did you work together as a team?
• What creative things did you do during the lesson?
• What do you like about the paper dolls you created? (Optional art project)

Tips for working with groups:

• Make sure that all students are actively participating in the activities.
• Encourage students to communicate and cooperate with each other.
• Provide positive feedback and reinforcement to all students.
• Be patient and understanding, especially when working with students with special needs.

This lesson is a fun and challenging way for students of all abilities to practice their physical fitness, teamwork, creativity, and artistic skills. It is also a great way to introduce them to the book The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson.

Optional art project:

1. Have the students create their own paper dolls. They can do this by drawing or cutting out paper dolls.
2. Once the students have created their paper dolls, they can decorate them with crayons, markers, or other art supplies.
3. The students can then display their paper dolls in the classroom or take them home.