Navigate the subsections of Activate by using the links above.

(Activate 5)

(4C) "Scarf Sleeping Eights" - (CD Track 9 “Snake Charmer” - Click to listen )

See accompanying video clip.

Hold the scarf and draw a sleepy figure of eight (a figure of eight laying on its side, change hands).
Wiggle the scarf up / down using two hands.
Repeat the sleeping eight figure.
Wiggle with two hands.
Throw and catch scarf - throw with one, catch with the other / alternately.

N.B. Practise the "sleeping eights" shape before doing the activity to music.
(This activity helps children rehearse the circles and shapes of letters in advance of writing them on a page. This activity also crosses the mid-line and activates both sides of the brain. It also encourages the development of hand-eye co-ordination.)

(Activate 7)

(8A) MOVE & SHAKE –“Move & Shake” - (CD Track 15 “Move and Shake” - Click to listen )

See accompanying video clip.

(NB: the demonstration activity in this video clip is performed by an adult - in the DVD that accompanies the Activate 7 manual, all activities are performed by an actual school group).

1. Children stand on the spot and shake and move their bodies rhythmically in time to the music.
2. When the music changes to a single instrument shake hands into the air in different directions/ levels/ in time to the music. Repeat the sequence of whole body/individual part of body in response to the music in this order;
   1. Shake all over – feet only, 2. Shake all over – bottom only
   3. Shake all over – shoulders only, 4. Shake all over – anything
   (This activity helps to develop timing, rhythm and co-ordination and to develop a healthy heart and lungs. It energises children to become more alert.)

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(Activate 9)

(5A) CIRCUIT PATTERNS - “Jogging” (CD Track 12 “Circuit Patterns” - Click to listen)

See accompanying video clip.

(NB: the demonstration activity in this video clip is performed by an adult - in the DVD that accompanies the Activate 9 manual, all activities are performed by an actual school group).

• Dance on the spot to the introduction of the music.
• Raise arms and bend elbows outwards so fists are in front of the head. Rotate hands and forearms around one another moving away from the body (x8 beats)
• Repeat the rotation stretched out to the right at waist height, in front of the body at knee height, and then finally stretched out to the left at waist height.
• Jog on the spot with high knees and arms swinging strongly across the body.
  - Facing forwards (x8 beats) - Facing to the left (x8 beats)
  - Facing to the back (x8 beats) - Facing to the right (x8 beats)
• Repeat to the end of the music.

(This activity is an energiser. It helps children become more physically alert. It improves oxygen uptake and can be used to help children remain attentive)

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(Activate 11)

(14B) Aerobics – “Across and behind” (CD Track 21 “Aerobics” - click to listen)

See accompanying video clip.

1. Feet together, bend knees and straighten without raising heels (2 beats). Hold hands at waist height close to your body then as you bend knees shoot both arms up high and bring arms back to chest as you straighten knees. Keep this rhythm until the music changes.
2. Raise right knee across the body at waist height. Twist to stretch left arm across and clap your hand on the outside of the right hip. (Feel the twist!) Perform on the other side and repeat until the music changes.
   (NB. To help encourage the twist, hold both hands out in front of you with palms down and elbows bent, so it is easier to swing in either direction to make contact with the outside of the hip.)
3. Jog on the spot, with feet behind the body, touch right heel with right hand and left heel with left hand until the music changes again.

(This is an aerobic activity that stimulates both sides of the brain, improves oxygen intake, and helps develop a healthy heart and lungs. It encourages concentration and sequential thinking)

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