Ichi, Ni, San: Japanese Morning Exercises
Inspired by rajio taisō, the morning exercises that kids and adults in Japan do together at schools and in parks, we do simple moves while counting to eight in Japanese. Children loosen up their joints and wake up their bodies.
How to play
- The teacher explains that in Japan lots of people do morning exercises all at the same time. Learn to count: ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi (1 min).
- Arms: reach up to the sky and lower them out to the sides counting to eight in Japanese (1 min).
- Knees and waist: bend the knees, twist the waist one way and the other, always with the count (2 min).
- Little jumps in place counting to eight, a rest, then again opening and closing the arms (2 min).
- Finish with a big breath: arms up as you breathe in and down as you breathe out, with a small bow to say hello (1 min).
Rules
- We all count out loud together.
- Stay in your spot with room on each side.
- Move slowly and carefully.
- Copy the teacher like a mirror.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, count to four (ichi, ni, san, shi) and do only arms, knees and little jumps.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, count to eight and do all the exercises.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a child leads one exercise counting in Japanese.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the arm, trunk and neck exercises while seated.
- Hearing impairment: show the numbers on your fingers while counting.
- Autism: post a picture sequence of the exercises on the wall in the order they'll be done.
Learning goals
- Loosen up the major joints.
- Match movement to a rhythmic count.
- Learn about a custom from Japan and count in Japanese.
Teacher tip
Don't use the original radio music: your counting is enough. Practice the numbers in class beforehand; 5-year-olds love it and will ask for it.
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