Gentle Animal Shapes
Goal: Choose comfortable animal-inspired balances and stretches, describing hands as beside or above the body.
Do together
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A bird at rest
You need: A clear space and optional stable chairSit or stand steadily. Slowly open your arms a comfortable distance beside your body like a resting bird. Bring them back gently. Name beside. Let your child choose a smaller movement or direct yours; there is no need to hold the shape.
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A tall giraffe idea
You need: The same clear spaceKeep both feet supported. Raise one hand a comfortable amount to suggest a giraffe's neck, then lower it. If comfortable, notice when the hand is above the shoulder. Breathe normally. Seated play works equally well; never stretch higher to match someone else.
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A flamingo choice
You need: A clear space and an adult's offered handOffer your hand while your child briefly lightens one foot or lifts it a little, then returns to two steady feet. Seated players can lift and lower one hand instead. Choose a favourite animal shape and describe where the hands are.
Talk about it
- Are your hands beside your body now?
- Which shape feels comfortable?
- Would you like support or a seated version?
Words to use
- balance
- stretch
- gentle
- beside
- above
- steady
- rest
Play (optional)
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Position Quest
Position words
Your child can…
Tick each one when you see it, and write the date. Move on when most are ticked.
We noticed:
wasilearn.com/learn/kg-2/gentle-animal-shapes · free home learning, ages 2–7