Moving Forward (n40)

1: Discuss Basic machines—wheels, levers,

gears etc. Compare machines with our bodies—arms,

legs, heads, etc.

Step 2: Physical warm-up (5-7 minutes)

From a seated position (on a chair or floor) attend

to your breathing (focus on the rhythm in and

out)…Relax, let go of physical tensions

as you breathe….slowly introduce isolated

movements to rhythm…begin with moving only

the head side to side then in circles…then

move shoulders, arms, torso, hips, legs, feet

one at a time. Explore limitations and extensions

of movement of each part.

Step 3: Repeat this sequence from a standing position.

Again breathe, move rhythmically and only one

part at a time as led. Note the difference in

limitations and extension of movements. Explore

possibilities of movement from a lower level (level

1) to mid level(level 2) to high level (full extension

upward level 3)

Step 4: Break into groups of 4 – 5 students.

Assign levels of movement to students and assign

a number 1-5 to each member of the group.

Step 5: Each “number 1” chooses a

movement based on an isolation that he/she can

repeat over and over for a few minutes. “Number

1” begins that movement.

Step 6: Numbers 2 through 5 choose movements based

on levels that they can do while somehow rhythmically

and cooperatively connecting to one or more members

of the group….In effect, build a machine.

Step 7: Repeat the process a few times allowing

someone else to be number 1. Encourage variety

of movements…

Step 8: Try to build a “whole class machine”…..Break

1: Call class together to discuss memories of

9/11…brainstorm a list of words associated

with the event ( bravery, fear, compassion, patriotism,

etc.) Save that list. Ask each student to choose

one word that they identify with the most.

Step 2: Repeat physical warm-up (briefly if after

break only…take more time to focus if this

is a later second class)

Step 3: Students create a movement that expresses

or offers an interpretation of their chosen word.

Step 4: In same small groups (unless problems

arose first time around, in which case this is

the time to adjust groups) create machines based

on these movements.

Step 5: Play music of your choosing. Have students

create machines with musical background….If

music isn’t available, ask students to create

sounds to express what they feel physically..they

can simply repeat their word quietly, or a sound

within the word.

Step 6: Create a “whole class moving memorial”…….

Step 7: Allow for comments/discussion re: the

experience. Video tape the memorial if you can.