Introduction

Teaching young children how to recognize and manage their emotions is a crucial aspect of their development. In this blog post, we will explore a fun and simple activity called the Wiggling Body Scan that helps Kindergarten students learn how to check their body for tension and relaxation. This activity not only promotes self-awareness but also encourages students to develop healthy coping strategies that can lead to a more balanced emotional state.

No-Prep Activity: Wiggling Body Scan

This activity requires no preparation or materials, making it perfect for busy educators. To begin, have your students sit in a comfortable position, either in their seats or on the floor. Guide them through the following steps:

1. Ask them to think about their belly and take a big breath that pushes out their belly. Then, let the air out. Repeat this process a couple of times.
2. Direct their attention to their toes. Instruct them to wiggle their toes, squeeze them tight, and then relax them. Repeat this process.
3. Have them think about their legs. Encourage them to wiggle their legs and then make them feel heavy, as if they were filled with heavy sand.
4. Move on to their hands and arms. Ask them to make their arms and hands tight like a robot, then make them loose and light, shaking them out.
5. Guide them to touch their neck and shoulders. Have them shrug their shoulders up as if they’re scared, then relax them down.
6. Finally, instruct them to make their whole body loose and heavy, from their neck and shoulders to their arms, legs, and feet.

By paying attention to their body in this manner, students can learn to recognize when they are feeling tense or relaxed and develop strategies to manage their emotions more effectively.

Discussion Questions

• How did your body feel before and after the Wiggling Body Scan activity?
• Which part of your body was the most tense? How did it feel when you relaxed that part?
• How can you use this activity to help you feel more relaxed in different situations?
• Can you think of other ways to help yourself feel calm and relaxed?
• Why is it important to pay attention to our body and how it feels?

Related Skills

Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation are essential components of Social-Emotional Learning. In addition to the Wiggling Body Scan activity, there are several other skills that can help students build a strong foundation for emotional well-being:

• Mindful Breathing: Teaching students how to focus on their breath can help them manage stress and anxiety.
• Gratitude Practice: Encouraging students to express gratitude can foster a positive mindset and promote happiness.
• Active Listening: Developing active listening skills can help students build empathy and strengthen their relationships with others.
• Conflict Resolution: Learning how to address conflicts in a constructive manner can lead to healthier relationships and a more peaceful environment.

Next Steps

If you found the Wiggling Body Scan activity helpful and want to explore more activities and resources to support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning, we invite you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. Our comprehensive library of resources will help you create a nurturing and supportive environment for your students, fostering their emotional growth and well-being.