Theme: Frogs

From: My Neighborhood Movement Challenges, by Rhonda L. Clements Ed. D. This wonderful book that combines literacy and movement can purchased at the NASPE website provided at the above link(the title).

 


  1. The female frog lays tiny eggs that do not have shells. These eggs are placed at the bottom of the pond, until the swell and rise to the surface where they float. Soon they are ready to hatch into tadpoles. The tadpole looks and swims like a fish. As tadpoles grow they develop hind legs, and then front legs, and their bodies grow so large that the tail disappears. At this point, they leave the water to search for food.

    2. Stunt: Ask the children to select partners. One partner forms a tiny "egg shape", and tucks his or her legs and arms under the body. The head and chin are held close to the chest. The second partner places his or her hands on the shoulders of the egg shape and performs a leapfrog over the first child's shape. Partners exchange roles.



     

  2. Frogs have long sticky tongues that flick out very fast to catch food. They can eat over 100 insects every half hour, which helps farmers' crops. They live in ponds, forests, gardens, and deep grass. They have webbed feet, strong back legs, and bumps on their heads.

    3. Stunt: In this variation of the first stunt, the frog forms a strong "box shape," so that the body is resting on the hands and knees. The partner's hands are still placed on the frog's shoulders for the movement to occur. Partners exchange roles.



  3. The bullfrog's croaking sound is very loud and sounds like "jug-o-rum." On quiet nights, this sound can be heard for several miles. Bullfrogs can jump five or more feet. They also enjoy splashing in the water.

    4. Stunt: In this second variation, the frog positions his or her body in a stooping position. That is, the arms are wrapped around the knees; the body is supported on the balls of the feet; and the head is tucked downward. The partner's hands remain placed on the frog's shoulders for the movement to occur. Partners exchange roles.

     

     

  4. As the weather changes to winter, frogs swim to the bottom of the pond. They dig a hole in the mud where they sleep until spring.

Stunt: In this advanced version, the frog stands, leans over and grasps his or her own ankles. The head and chin are tucked downward. The partner places his or her hands on the hips of the frog, presses downward and moves the body forward by straddling his or her legs to either side of the frog's body to complete the leapfrog action. The children should be told to use their hands to block their fall in the event that they feel their bodies being pushed forward.

Explain that a child may either leapfrog with the whole body, or may position his or her hands on the frog's hips and swing only one leg over the frog's body to complete the movement. This suggestion increases the likelihood of all the children completing the movement and experiencing success.

 

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