A Nod to a Head Nod

These discussion ideas can build your child’s awareness of how much we communicate using our bodies. By recognizing physical language around smaller things, they can begin to see dance and movement as expression and not simply entertainment. They become aware of how they use their own bodies – every day – to express themselves.

• People communicate with each other in lots of ways, but most often through their words and their bodies – at the very same time. What we are doing with our bodies when we say words tells as much as the words themselves. (Actually, our words are only responsible for 7% of the message. The other 93% comes from body language and tone of voice.)
• Can you think how we say ‘yes’ using just our body? No? Maybe?
• Did you know that in sign language you say “yes” by nodding your fist?
• What if we said “no” to someone – with a smile on our face. What might that mean? (Act it out.)
• What if we said “no” and hung our head and walked away? What might that mean?
• What if we said, “Yes” while dropping down dramatically into a chair? What might that mean?
• What if someone nodded their head up and down vigorously? What might that mean? Does it mean more than yes?
• Challenge each other, “Can you say, ‘I don’t know!’ without words?” I’m bored? Hurry up! Thank you. I have to pee.
• We often show how we feel just by how we walk. Try walking ‘sad’ and see if they can guess. Take turns. Feeling proud? Angry. In a hurry. Ashamed.