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Trip Around the World Movement Story

The class travels around the world in one day and moves the way people or animals do in each place: kangaroos in Australia, skiing in the Alps, samba in Brazil and penguins in Antarctica. It warms up different body parts and introduces world places.

PhaseWarm-up
Duration8 min
Ages8–10
SpaceOutdoor yard
EquipmentNo equipment
IntensityModerate

How to play

  1. Everyone lines up as an airplane, arms out wide: take off and fly one jogging lap of the court (1 min).
  2. Australia: kangaroo hops with feet together and hands in front of the chest, 3 sets of 8 (1 min).
  3. The Alps: cross-country ski by sliding the feet and swinging opposite arms, then slalom in a zigzag between classmates (1 min 30 sec).
  4. Brazil: samba in place with quick feet and hip and arm moves for 30 seconds, twice (1 min).
  5. Antarctica: waddle like penguins with arms tight and tiny steps; on a clap, slide sideways (1 min).
  6. Egypt: climb the pyramid steps with high knees in place, 20 steps, and walk slowly back down (1 min).
  7. Fly home: take off again and land with a squat and three deep breaths (1 min 30 sec).

Rules

Variations

Easier

Visit only three places and walk the airplane.

Standard

Visit all five places as the teacher tells the story.

Harder

Students suggest a country and a typical movement, and the class does it.

Adaptations

Learning goals

Teacher tip

Bring a small map or point to where each place is: kids love it. Present cultures respectfully and avoid stereotypes.

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