Move Brainstorm Race

Introduction

Q: How many muscles are in the human body?
A: Over 650! Some of the muscles, like when your heart beats, work without us thinking. Other muscles are controlled by our thoughts—we tell ourselves to run, jump, and play.

Let's do a Brainstorm Race! Take a moment right now to think about what it means to move your muscles. (Pause for 30 seconds to allow time for kids to think about their responses before continuing with the activity.)

Activity Instructions

1. Divide kids into small groups (3-4 kids per group). Each group picks a person to write.
2. Give each group 1 piece of paper and a pencil or marker.
3. Set a timer for 1 minute.
4. Leader asks "What do you think it means to move your body?" then starts the timer.
5. Each group brainstorms together and writes their ideas on paper.
6. After 1 minute leader asks each group to share their brainstorm thoughts about what they believe "move your body" means.
7. Leader explains:
   • Move is any physical activity you do in a day.
     • Some examples are walking, running, and playing outside.
   • Moving is great for your brain.
     • It gets blood and oxygen to your brain which helps you to focus and remember things.
   • Moving is great for your body.
     • It strengthens bones and muscles. Don't forget your heart is a muscle.
   • Moving is as simple as dancing, walking, jumping, and running. 

Reflections

Q: Turn and talk with a partner. Tell each other different ways you moved today. Did you play a game? Run outside? Get up and stretch? Do a brain break?
A: Answers will vary.

Q: Why is it important to move throughout each day?
A: Moving strengthens your body's bones and muscles and gets blood and oxygen pumping to your brain which helps you focus and remember things.

Challenge

Challenge yourself! Jump rope to the beat of your favorite song.