Kids-Move

4. TWIRL, TWIRL, TWIRL (Balance-Booster)
Benefits: Twirling/spinning movements activate the vestibular system (i.e., the sensory system of the inner ear, coordinating with our eyes), supporting our sense of balance and spatial awareness. They are of particular benefit to learning by reducing stress.

Homolateral movements (e.g., lifting same arm and leg on one side of the body) help children develop a sense of sidedness (i.e., right and left sides of their bodies). This song provides opportunities to transfer weight from one side to the other, to support moving in all directions. Lateral movement is a key developmental step for learning to cross the body’s midline.

NOTE: In the second verse, where participants are directed to “Jump out - cross legs,” we are still doing the Jumping Jack movement. The crossing of the legs is to take place in the second half of the movement, as the legs are brought back in.