Follow the Leader Fast and Slow
Here's What To Do
Tell your child that you will play a game where you will follow the leader. “One person will lead and do some movements. The other person will follow and copy the movements. We’re also going to do the movements quickly and slowly.”
Be the leader first and model different movements for your child to follow.
Then, do the movements at different speeds, faster and faster, or slower and slower as they continue to follow along with you at that speed. For example, move your arms around at different speeds, or jump at different speeds.
Take turns with your child to lead the game.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Do some simple stretches together first to warm up.
Engage:
- “Let’s play follow the leader. Watch me carefully so you can move along with me.”
- “Keep watching me so you can see when we speed up or slow down the movements.”
Encourage:
- Warn your child before you change the speed. Model a few times before encouraging them to join you.
- Describe what you are doing as you do the moves with your child. “I’m tiptoeing quickly around the room. Let’s try it together. Now, let’s tiptoe slooooowwwly.”
Reflect:
- “Did you prefer to move quickly or slowly? Why did you like to move ___?”
Not quite ready?
Use simple movements that your child is already familiar with as you practice doing them a little bit faster and slower than they are used to.
Ready for more?
Include more challenging movements and encourage your child to move to different tempos of music.
As your child masters this skill...
They’ll demonstrate how to repeat different movements at different speeds.