Why Opposite Movement Calls works

Opposite Movement Calls works best as one connected sequence built around controlled movement and body awareness. Respond to opposite movement words such as high/low, wide/narrow and fast/slow while keeping the actual pace controlled. Begin by asking the child to choose three opposite pairs that are easy to demonstrate, and let that result prepare them to stand in one open spot so the game does not require travelling around the room.

Set up — Choose three opposite pairs that are easy to demonstrate

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to choose three opposite pairs that are easy to demonstrate. Make sure that opening step is comfortable before the child moves on to stand in one open spot so the game does not require travelling around the room. Keep the floor clear and the movement controlled during the opening attempt to choose three opposite pairs that are easy to demonstrate.

Step 2 — Stand in one open spot so the game does not require travelling…

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to stand in one open spot so the game does not require travelling around the room. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to call high and the child reaches up; call low and the child bends knees.

Step 3 — Call high and the child reaches up; call low and the child…

After the child tries to call high and the child reaches up; call low and the child bends knees, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to use wide/narrow arms and big/small steps while keeping every movement comfortable rather than explaining it for them.

Step 4 — Use wide/narrow arms and big/small steps while keeping every movement comfortable

Have the child use wide/narrow arms and big/small steps while keeping every movement comfortable before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to even when the cue is fast, the movement itself stays controlled, especially compared with the earlier request to call high and the child reaches up; call low and the child bends knees.

Step 5 — Even when the cue is fast, the movement itself stays controlled

Give the child time to even when the cue is fast, the movement itself stays controlled and notice the result. The following instruction to even when the cue is fast, the movement itself stays controlled should use what they learned after previously trying to use wide/narrow arms and big/small steps while keeping every movement comfortable.

What to notice before Even when the cue is fast, the movement…

Do not judge the activity only by whether the sequence reaches the point where the instruction is to even when the cue is fast, the movement itself stays controlled. Pay attention to whether the child can change action or direction deliberately without losing control during the transition from call high and the child reaches up; call low and the child bends knees to use wide/narrow arms and big/small steps while keeping every movement comfortable.

Make Call high and the child reaches up;… easier or harder

If the child loses the thread while trying to call high and the child reaches up; call low and the child bends knees, shorten the route, slow the pace, or use fewer actions. When that step is secure, add one remembered action or direction change without increasing speed without changing the setup that leads to use wide/narrow arms and big/small steps while keeping every movement comfortable.

Finish after Even when the cue is fast, the movement…

Use the final decision around open as the natural stopping point. If the child can show why it follows from pairs, the round has done enough. Continue later through the activity search or activity generator.