Human Body | Substitute Teacher
Students will learn about major body parts by moving, naming, and using their bodies in simple physical activities. This lesson is designed for a substitute teacher and uses easy, low-prep movement games.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| head | The part of the body above the neck that holds the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. |
| shoulders | The parts at the top of the arms. |
| arms | The body parts between the shoulders and hands. |
| hands | The parts at the end of the arms that help us hold and touch things. |
| legs | The body parts that help us stand, walk, run, and jump. |
| feet | The parts at the bottom of the legs that help us balance and move. |
Welcome students, set boundaries, and model simple stretches. Call out body parts for students to touch: head, shoulders, knees, toes. Keep the pace slow and clear.
Listen, move into space, and touch the named body parts.
Point to each body part and have students repeat the word. Show one movement for each: nod head, shrug shoulders, swing arms, clap hands, march legs, tap feet.
Repeat the words and copy the movements.
Lead a simple Simon Says game using body part actions such as 'Simon says touch your head' or 'Simon says jump on your feet.' Include safe movements only.
Listen carefully and complete the movements only when 'Simon says' is used.
Play music or count rhythmically. Students move around safely. Stop the music and call a body part and action, such as 'Show me strong arms' or 'Balance on one foot.'
Dance or move safely, then freeze and show the requested body part pose.
Guide slow stretches for arms, legs, and shoulders. Ask students to name one body part and one movement they used today.
Stretch quietly and share answers when called on.
Review the body parts one final time. Praise safe movement and listening. Dismiss students calmly.
Repeat body part names and prepare to leave quietly.
End by asking: 'What body parts did we use today?' Have the class say the names together and thank them for safe, active participation.
At home, students should point to and name five body parts for a family member and show one movement for each body part.