The Upper Body

Our body is made up of many parts that work together like a team. The upper body covers everything from our waist up.

• Head: at the very top, holding our brain for thinking, eyes for seeing, nose for smelling, mouth for talking and eating, and ears for hearing.
• Shoulders: the wide, bony parts at the top of our arms, connecting arms to neck and back.
• Arms: we have a left and a right arm, used for lifting, carrying, hugging, and throwing.
• Hands and fingers: each hand has five fingers, used for writing, eating, and clapping.

The Lower Body

• Chest and back: the chest protects our heart and lungs at the front; the back is behind us.
• Waist: the narrow part in the middle of our body, where we bend.
• Legs: a left and a right leg, strong enough to help us stand, walk, run, jump, and kick.
• Feet and toes: each foot has five toes and helps us balance on the ground.

Moving Each Body Part

Head: nodding up and down often means “Yes,” while shaking side to side often means “No.”

Shoulders: shrugging means lifting both shoulders toward your ears, then dropping them — something we do when we don’t know an answer.

Hands and arms: waving side to side says “Hello” or “Goodbye”; clapping brings both hands together to show we’re happy.

Simple Stretches

Stretching warms up our muscles and feels good.

• Sky stretch: stand tall and reach both arms straight up, as if reaching for the sky.
• Toe touch: stand with legs slightly apart, bend forward slowly from the waist, and try to touch your toes without bouncing.

Singing and acting out “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” is a fun way to remember body parts while moving.

Evaluation

1. Touch your head.
2. Point to your shoulders.
3. Show me how you wave your hands.
4. Where are your toes located?
5. Nod your head up and down.

Assignment

1. Draw a stick figure and circle the head.
2. Practice touching your toes 5 times at home.
3. Sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” to your parents.