Integrating Active Games with Other Subjects

Example

PARDON THE PATTERNS

Description

Goals	Understand nature of patterns Practice making patterns through movement
Alignment	Small groups gathered together
Movements	Variety of movements contained in patterns
Equipment	Index cards, pencils
Social structure	Cooperative 3-5 players per group, ages 6 to 12

Directions

In large group, discuss what an 'AB' pattern is, using examples on index cards, such as alternating numbers and/or shapes. Divide players into small groups. Have each group choose two body movements to perform in an 'AB' pattern (i.e. bend-stretch-bend-stretch). Now have groups choose two different movements to incorporate into a different pattern. For example, an 'ABBABB' pattern could be depicted by 'hop-jump-jump-hop-jump-jump.' After patterns are determined, pair up groups and have one group perform a pattern, while each member of the other group writes the pattern down on a card using 'AB' symbols. Then switch the group that performs and interprets movement, respectively.

Repeat the previous exercise with all members of a given group moving a ball to some new pattern selected. For example, an 'AABAAB' pattern could be represented by 'dribble-dribble-catch-dribble-dribble-catch.' Again, pair up groups and have one group perform its pattern while each member of the other group writes down its interpretation (and vice verse).

Alternative: Have players ages 9 through 12 incorporate more complex patterns by increasing the number of ways to use two movements, and/or increasing the number of movements.