Siturtaq/Monkey Dance
Skills:
Physical: balance in motion, power, gross motor skill, upper and lower limb coordination, agility
Cognitive: selective attention, sustained attention, divided attention
Social: understanding of personal space, turn taking
Number of participants:
3 or more
Equipment:
none
Description:
- children start in a squat position facing each other in a circle
- children take turns kicking one leg out while maintaining squat position with the other, alternating legs back and forth
History:
A traditional Inuit game of a dance contest to test agility and endurance.
Modifications to make the activity easier:
Change the task:
- have the child try to balance in squat position with one foot out before attempting to alternate legs to decrease physical demand
- have the child put their hands on the floor to help with balance to decrease physical demand
Modifications to make the activity harder:
Change the task:
- challenge child to kick out their legs several times in a row to increase physical demand
- have child increase speed of kicks to increase physical demand
Goal examples:
- child is able to hold out one leg without relying on a friend for physical support, 3 out of 5 times
- I can dance with my friends
