Mixie’s Tips:
Find an area with enough clear space for this activity, as your child will need to move around.
You will also need a way of playing a piece of music that your child enjoys, such as using a mobile phone or speaker.
For questions 1–3, encourage your child to make the body movements described, then ask them the relevant question.
For a reminder of happy and sad body signs, look back at Mixie’s Masterclass on Page 4.
Mixie’s Happy and Sad Body Sign Movement
1. Sad shoulders:
Walk slowly around the room.
When your grown-up says “sad”, let your shoulders droop and walk as if your body is heavy until they say “walk normally”.
Do this a few times.
Question: Do your shoulders ever feel droopy and heavy like that when you are sad?
2. Happy energy:
Put on some happy music.
Pretend you are feeling really happy and let your body show it! You might feel like bouncing, dancing or moving around with lots of energy.
Think about how you are using different parts of your body to show that happy energy.
Question: Do you ever notice a light, bouncy feeling of energy like that when you are happy, even if you have not been dancing?
3. Smile power:
Smile really wide and notice how it makes your cheeks and eyes feel.
Then let the corners of your mouth turn down as if you are sad and notice the difference.
Question: Do you ever notice that you smile when you are happy but do not when you are sad?
4. Other Body Signs:
Try to remember a time that you felt really happy and then a time that you felt really sad.
Question: Do you remember noticing any other body signs when you have felt happy or sad? If you did, try to explain what other body signs you noticed.
Well done, Explorer! You are now ready for Mixie’s 3rd Activity!