Hi there, .
If your students are struggling to retain a sequence, process, or timeline—try teaching it through movement.
In Step Phrase, students turn a list of steps or ideas into a short, repeatable movement sequence.
Think of it like a living flowchart—students internalize and demonstrate their understanding using body movement, rhythm, and spatial awareness.
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This Week's Strategy: Step Phrase
Break It Into Steps
Choose a process, sequence, or set of key ideas (like the water cycle, the branches of government, or the order of operations).
Assign (or Create) a Movement to Each Step
Students brainstorm or are assigned a simple movement or gesture to represent each part. It can be literal or abstract—just as long as it’s repeatable.
Put It Together
Students string the movements together into a short “phrase,” practicing it with a rhythm or beat.
Share and Reflect
Have groups perform their Step Phrase and explain how each motion connects to the content. Discuss similarities and creative choices.
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Why This Works?
🧠 Reinforces memory through physical embodiment
🎭 Builds connections between ideas using rhythm and movement
🎯 Allows for creative expression while staying focused on content
💡 Excellent for learners who need movement and process-heavy topics
Alternatives:
Add music or a beat to help with rhythm and recall
Pair students to co-create and teach their phrases to others
Record the Step Phrases as a video recap for review or assessment
Ways to Make Connections:
You can use this strategy to enhance:
ELA – Show the arc of a story through movement (beginning, rising action, climax, etc.).
Social Studies – Represent steps in a civic process or stages of an event like a revolution or migration.
Science – Create a Step Phrase for photosynthesis, weather cycles, or lab safety steps.
Math – Represent PEMDAS, multi-step problem solving, or geometric transformations.
Visual Arts – Turn a technique process (like printmaking or collage) into a movement sequence.
Music – Choreograph the dynamics or sections of a musical composition physically.
Happy creating and connecting,
Susan
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