The Beetle – poem game

The Beetle – Poem Game

In The Beetle poem game, children explore all the possibilities of the beetle position and practice body and movement awareness. Before practicing the beetle poem, it’s helpful to try out different ways of moving in beetle position. Movement practice tips can be found on this site under Beetle Position and Movements.

Instructions:

It’s best to divide the poem and the associated movement game into three parts: first practice the first verse, next combine it with the second verse, and finally practice the full poem.

The beetle, knock knock – (march in place in beetle position)
Jumps up, hop hop! – (jump into the air and return to beetle position)
Fixes its hat – (stay in squat position, hold an imaginary hat)
Adjusts its coat – (open arms in squat position, hug yourself)
"Everyone join to hop in zig-zag!" – (return to beetle position and jump with legs crossing in and out)

The beetle, knock knock – (spin around in beetle position in place)
Spinning around, hop hop! – (continue spinning in beetle position)
Reaches for the sky – (stay in beetle position, stretch arms alternately toward the ceiling)
Begins a journey around the world – (keep one hand in the air, walk around the other hand on the floor)
"Now everyone can swing their legs for a long trip!" – (same movement)

The beetle, the beetle, the beetle, knock knock – (stop in knee-sit, pat thighs with hands)
The beetle, the beetle, the beetle, KNOCK KNOCK! – (repeat knee-sit, pat thighs)

The beetle, knock knock – (march in beetle position)
Falls to the ground, hop hop! – (roll onto back in beetle position)
Wiggles its legs – (wiggle legs)
Sways side to side – (sway from one side to the other)
"Come see me spinning!" – (roll on back, kick legs off the floor to spin)

The beetle, knock knock – (march in place in beetle position)
Jumps up, hop hop! – (jump into the air and stand)
Sighs deeply – (open arms to the side, then hug yourself)
"I am good!" – (stay in hug position)

(Poem: Paula Puumalainen)