Objective

By the end of this lesson, J will be able to use their diaphragm to project their voice, demonstrate clear enunciation, and express emotions through facial expressions and body language while staying within a limited space.

Materials and Prep

• No specific materials are needed for this lesson.
• Ensure the space is clear and safe for movement within a hula hoop-sized area.
• Prepare to encourage J with positive reinforcement throughout the activities.

Activities

• Diaphragm Breathing Exercise:

  Start by having J place their hands on their tummy. Take a deep breath in through the nose, feeling the tummy rise, and then exhale through the mouth, feeling the tummy fall. Repeat this a few times to help J understand how to use their diaphragm.

• Volume Game:

  Choose a fun word or phrase (like "Hello!" or "I love ice cream!") and practice saying it in different volumes. Start with a whisper, then a normal voice, and finally a loud voice. Encourage J to feel the difference in their diaphragm's movement.

• Facial Expression Charades:

  J will pick an emotion (happy, sad, surprised) and use their face to show it without using words. You can then guess the emotion. This helps J understand how to express feelings without talking.

• Body Language Freeze Dance:

  Play some music and have J dance within the hula hoop. When the music stops, they must freeze and show a specific emotion with their body. This encourages large movements and helps J understand body language.

Talking Points

• "Can you feel your tummy getting big when you breathe in? That's your diaphragm helping you!"
• "Let's try saying 'Hello!' really quietly, then really loud! Which one feels more fun?"
• "How does your face feel when you're happy? Can you show me with your face?"
• "When we dance, we can use our whole body to show how we feel! Let's see your best freeze!"
• "Remember, it's okay to make big movements in our big space and smaller ones in our hula hoop! Both are super fun!"