Our Family Dance Recipe

Print this page and take turns putting your fingers down to land on a word. The two words you land on are the moves you’ll do together. Repeat those two moves a few times, then pick two more and do them a few times. Put all four moves together into your own unique family dance! 

You might try this whenever children have extra energy, whenever anyone needs a break from screen time, or when you’re stuck inside on a rainy or cold day. When you’re finished, notice and talk about how your bodies feel: 

• Put your hands over your hearts and notice them beating faster. 

• Put your hands on your chest and your lungs moving as air comes in and out.  

• Notice if your skin is flushed or warm (such as after very heavy exercise).  

• And… take a moment to celebrate the healthy choice you made together to move your bodies! 

You might also try: 

• Doing the moves as quickly or slowly as you can 

• Doing the moves as if you are different kinds of animals (how might a mouse hop? How might a snake jiggle?) 

• Playing a Simon Says version 

• Letting children choose any three moves they like and be the “choreographer”! 

• Keeping the party going after the “dance recipe” ends, moving any way you like 

• Copying each others’ movements 

Remember, you don’t need to be “good at movement” or “athletic” to enjoy physical activity on your own or as a family. Just by showing children you’re having fun moving, you’re teaching a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.