Body Movements, Balance and Coordination for Primary 4

Moving our body parts II

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of non-locomotor movement;
2. mention the features non-locomotive movement;
3. perform non-locomotive movements like stretching, swinging, bending, etc.

Understanding Non-Locomotor Movement

Non-locomotor movements are movements of the body or its parts while staying in one place. These movements do not involve travelling from one spot to another.

Imagine standing still and moving only your arms, legs, or bending your body. These are all examples of non-locomotor movements. They help to warm up the body, improve flexibility, and strengthen muscles without changing your location.

Features of Non-Locomotor Movement

There are many different ways to move the body without changing location. These movements are called features of non-locomotor movement. They include:

1. Stretching: This involves extending a body part or the entire body to its full length. Stretching helps to make the muscles more flexible and can reach different parts of the body, like stretching arms up high or stretching legs out.
2. Bending: Bending means curving or flexing a body part at a joint. Examples include bending the knees, bending the waist to touch the toes, or bending the elbows.
3. Twisting: Twisting is rotating a body part around its own axis. This often involves the torso or waist, where the upper body turns while the lower body remains still.
4. Swinging: Swinging is moving a body part back and forth, like a pendulum. Arms can swing forward and backward, or legs can swing from side to side.
5. Pulling: Pulling is applying force to move an object or body part towards oneself. This can be done with arms, legs, or the whole body, like pulling a rope or pulling oneself up on a bar.
6. Pushing: Pushing is applying force to move an object or body part away from oneself. This can involve pushing a wall, pushing a heavy object, or pushing off the ground with the feet.

Performing Non-Locomotor Movements

Practising non-locomotor movements helps to make the body stronger and more flexible. It is important to perform these movements correctly and safely.

How to Perform Stretching

Stretching helps to lengthen muscles and improve flexibility. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Raise both arms slowly above the head, reaching towards the sky.
3. Stretch the entire body upwards, feeling the stretch in the arms, back, and legs.
4. Hold the stretch for a few seconds, then relax.
5. Another stretch is to stand tall and slowly bend forward, trying to touch the toes with the fingertips, keeping the knees slightly bent if needed.

How to Perform Bending

Bending involves flexing the body at a joint. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand with feet slightly apart and hands on the hips.
2. Slowly bend the body forward at the waist, keeping the back straight, as if trying to look at the ground.
3. Return to the upright position.
4. Next, bend the body sideways, first to the right, then to the left, feeling a stretch along the side of the body.
5. Another way to bend is to bend the knees as if sitting on an imaginary chair, keeping the back straight.

How to Perform Twisting

Twisting helps to improve the flexibility of the spine and waist. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed at the sides.
2. Slowly turn the upper body to the right, looking over the right shoulder, while keeping the hips facing forward.
3. Return to the centre.
4. Repeat the movement, turning the upper body to the left.
5. Ensure the movement is smooth and controlled, avoiding sudden jerks.

How to Perform Swinging

Swinging movements can be done with arms or legs. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Let the arms hang loosely at the sides.
3. Swing both arms forward and backward in a controlled motion, like a pendulum.
4. Next, stand on one leg (hold onto a wall or chair for balance if needed).
5. Swing the other leg forward and backward, then from side to side.
6. Ensure the movements are gentle and rhythmic.

How to Perform Pulling

Pulling involves using strength to draw something towards oneself. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Imagine holding a rope or a heavy object.
2. Stand with feet firmly on the ground.
3. Bend the elbows and pull the imaginary object towards the chest, using the arm and back muscles.
4. For a real-life example, a child can gently pull a light bucket or a small toy cart across the floor.
5. When using a parallel or horizontal bar, hold the bar firmly with both hands and try to pull the body upwards slightly, engaging the arm and back muscles. This should be done under adult supervision.

How to Perform Pushing

Pushing involves using strength to move something away from oneself. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand facing a sturdy wall or a heavy, stable object that will not move easily.
2. Place both hands on the wall or object at chest height.
3. Lean forward and push against the wall or object, extending the arms and using the chest and shoulder muscles.
4. Hold the push for a few seconds, then relax.
5. For a real-life example, a child can gently push a light box or a small table across the floor.