Spell It Out Alphabet Workout

A poster assigns an exercise to every letter of the alphabet, and students spell vocabulary words by doing the exercise for each letter. They build coordination, strength and endurance while practicing spelling and letter names.

How to play

1. Post the same poster on four walls or corners with all 26 letters and an exercise for each: A, 10 jumping jacks; B, 5 squats; C, 10-second plank; D, 8 high knees; E, 5 lunges, and so on through Z (2 min).
2. Warm up by spelling the school name together: the teacher says each letter out loud, and the class does its exercise (2 min).
3. In pairs: each student spells their own name letter by letter while their partner does the exercises with them and checks each letter (3 min).
4. Spelling words: the teacher says a word from this week's list, such as "rabbit," and each pair spells it and does the whole word; the first pair to finish correctly sits down (4 min).
5. Secret word in groups of 4: one group picks a word and performs it without saying the letters; another group reads the poster and tries to guess the word from the exercises (3 min).
6. Wrap up: review letters that are easy to mix up when spelling, like b and d or i and e (1 min).

Rules

• Say each letter out loud before doing its exercise.
• Focus on form: slow and correct beats fast and sloppy.
• Each pair keeps to its own space and doesn't crowd others during lunges or jumps.
• Anyone who needs a rest walks it off and rejoins at the next letter.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make an alternate poster with upper-body and core exercises that can be done seated.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher shows each letter written large as well as saying it, and the partner points to it on the poster.
• Fitness level: each letter has two rep levels and students pick theirs.

Learning goals

• Spell words correctly, naming each letter.
• Perform a variety of strength and coordination exercises with good form.
• Work with a partner by checking and encouraging each other.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cardstock: 4

Teacher tip

Add a picture of each exercise to the poster so you don't waste time explaining them. It works just as well in a classroom on rainy days if you push the desks aside.

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