Foxy Feet

This adaptable children's game requires some simple items that are easy to find and assemble. These can be arranged and re-arranged in multiple ways to play this game that uses the whole body, integrating body and brain functions. Whole body learning is the best way that children learn so go ahead, use, experiment further and enjoy Foxy Feet with your groups of children, either at home on a rainy day or in school playgrounds.

What you need:

at least 9 non-slip durable mats; koki pens to write numbers 1-9 

option: glue 2 mats together to make them firmer; one side is all the same color, the reverse side can be different colors.   

                                                                  

                                       

                         option: draw shark fins on the reverse side (they gobble you                              up if you step on them, adding to the drama of the game!)      

 

use a drum, tambourine or guitar but most of all your voice to sing-song                          

 the chant throughout the game

Facilitating the game: 

#    lay the number mats out in 3 rows of 3, numbers facing down, as per photos above

#    begin singing  it's a fox- a fox - a foxy feet so the children practice stepping their feet in time to the chant.  This requires agility and motor planning before they even step on the number mats.    

#   turn over 4 or 5 mats in order, adding your own dramatic touch, saying the numbers in sequence as you point at them; depending on age, start with simplest sequence eg  1    2    3  4  5  

you may want to only use 4 numbers

                                                                                

 #   always start simple, progressing to mixed number sequences   

#  invite the children to line up, then start singing the first line of the chant "foxy feet will find the beat with a  1    2    3  4 5"    You can either point at these numbers while singing, and then demonstrate by stepping on the numbered mats in time with the rhyme.  Show the children how they can step any way they want between the mats: they may need to twist or turn around, or put 2 feet on one mat. Arrange the numbers initially so they are easy to process; always progress from simplest to more complex. This is the best way to learn and master a new activity. 

                

                        simple demo of song from intro - middle- ending

Intro:    it's a fox-    a fox-    a foxy- feet   ( repeat as necessary until ready to go)

 Chords     E7      A7                E7               A7

        Foxy feet will find the beat                            

                        E7     A7          E7       A7

             with a 7     5      3  2   4

        Keep the beat with your foxy feet

            with a 7     5      3  2   4

        It’s a fox-  a fox  -  a foxy  feet

            with a 7     5      3  2   4

        We make a dance and we keep the beat

            with a 7     5      3  2   4    etc

Laying out the numbers

It's best done without a backing track so that you can slow down the tempo when necessary to match the feet to the numbers.

A rough sung version of the song

# to change the number sequence during the game, prime the children to listen out for

Foxy feet will CHANGE the beat to a  ...........

This cues them with a new number sequence, changing the foot patterns.

#    variations: substitute simple everyday objects, letters or colors instead of numbers

lay mats out in random patterns

            OR lay the mats out randomly instead of in the block, 

                             to make more interesting dance moves.      

              

# end the game by singing the intro again, but this time slow it down gradually (called ritardando in music) and become gradually softer until you just STOP! This is the practice of musical dynamics.

Benefits and spin-offs:

Apart from it being a feel-good, fun, inclusive game, it also contributes to healthy development and learning in children in the following ways:

    uses musical elements to foster whole body co-ordination and integration

    body memory, sequential memory skills, midline crossing

    balance, agility and dexterity

    uses rhythm to foster motor planning, praxia and body mapping

    listening, reading + memory skills

    spatial-perceptual skills

    learning by practice and repetition

    creativity as they get to 'make up a dance'

The simple musical elements of rhythmic patterns and repetitive chanting help the development of learning skills while having fun. Foxy Feet helps children to be grounded, to think on their feet, to find their feet, to put their best foot first!