Lesson Plan: Lesson 16 – Mouse: Tiptoe and Sniff

Age Group: K1 and K2 (3 to 5 years old)

Class Size: 10 children

Duration: 60 minutes

Focus Area:  Small mouse body shape with quiet tiptoe; clear nose/whisker sniff focus; low, still freeze statue

Learning Objectives

• Children will be able to keep a tiny, quiet mouse shape while tiptoeing.
  Children will be able to show curious sniffing clearly without talking.
  Children will be able to freeze in a low, still statue on cue.
   

Materials Needed

• Floor markers for start, pathway, and freeze spots
• Visual aids: small mouse shape (curled spine, tucked elbows), whiskers/nose cue icon
• Soft instrumental music for movement and freeze cues
• Chime or soft drum for start/stop
• Optional pretend items for sniff prompts: cheese, crumb, flower, sock (pictures or imaginary only)

Procedures

5 min Warm-up: Body + Breath

Purpose: To settle the group, awaken body awareness, and prepare quiet breath control for flying and sipping.

• Gentle stretches: reach tall, open arms to soft wing curve, roll shoulders, bend and rise slowly.
• Belly breathing: inhale through nose; exhale with a very soft “mmm/zz” buzz (quiet).
• Eye-focus wake-up: teacher points to FLOWER → HIVE markers; children track with eyes first, then small head turns
   

15 min Technique Focus 1:  Small Body Shape and Quiet Tiptoe

Purpose: To build a tiny, safe posture and silent travel on tiptoe.

• Purpose:
• Mouse shape setup:
  • Spine slightly rounded; elbows tucked close; hands near tummy or chest; knees soft.
  • Head low with eyes looking forward; shoulders relaxed.
• Quiet feet drill:
  • Tiptoe in place for 8 slow counts: lift heels quietly, place them down softly.
  • Travel on a short straight path (4–6 steps) with “feather feet.”
• Path variations:
  • Curved S-path around two markers keeping the body small.
  • Zig-zag path with pauses at corners; hold mouse shape each pause for 2 counts.
• Control rules:
  • Arms stay close (no big flaps).
  • Steps are tiny and even; no stomping; no talking.
  • Eyes lead the tiptoe to help balance.
• Freeze practice:
  • On chime: drop into low mouse statue (heels down, knees bent, elbows tucked) for 2–3 counts.
  • Repeat travel → freeze two or three times.

15 min Technique Focus 2:  Sniff Focus with Nose/Whiskers

Purpose: To show clear sniffing using nose and whisker cues without voice.

• Sniff posture:
  • Keep mouse shape; bring hands to cheeks as “whiskers” (fingers long), or keep hands tucked and use nose only.
• Sniff beats (model with counts):
  • Look at the tiny item spot (eyes first).
  • Lean slightly forward; small nose wiggle (sniff–sniff) for 2 beats.
  • Stillness pause to “decide” (hold 1).
• Expression variations after sniff:
  • Curious/pleasant: tiny smile, relaxed eyebrows.
  • Yucky: gentle “yuck” face with lips closed; no sound.
• Clarity rules:
  • Sniffs are silent; only nose/face shows action.
  • Keep movements small and slow; no grabbing props.
• Practice prompts:
  • Teacher calls items: “Cheese,” “Crumb,” “Flower,” “Sock.” Children tiptoe 3–4 steps, stop, sniff–sniff, show a small reaction, then return to neutral mouse shape.

10 min Guided Application to Exam Task (Mouse Micro-Story)

Purpose: To combine tiptoe travel, sniff focus, and low still statue in order.

• Model the micro-story with counts:
  • Tiny tiptoe path (1–6) in mouse shape.
  • Stop at item spot → sniff–sniff (2) → small reaction (1).
• Tiptoe to a new spot (1–6).
  • Low, still mouse statue on chime (hold 3).
• Group practice:
  • Run in pairs on separate lanes; one mover per lane at a time.
  • Use chime for “stop and sniff” and “final statue” cues.
• Coaching phrases:
  • “Smaller body, softer feet.”
  • “Nose first, no voice.”
  • “Low statue, very still.”

10 min Performance + Feedback

Purpose: To build confidence and reinforce small-shape clarity, silent sniff, and stillness.

• Invite children to perform one at a time along a marked lane.
• Observe:
  • Consistent tiny mouse shape during travel.
  • Silent, visible nose/whisker sniff with eyes focused on the item.
  • Clear low freeze statue on cue, held for 2–3 counts.
• Feedback phrases:
  • “Your feet were so quiet—great tiptoes.”
  • “I could see your little nose sniffing clearly.”
  • “Your low statue was very still and tidy.”

5 min Calm Close

Purpose: To help children wind down and leave the session feeling calm and proud.

• “Mouse rest”: sit small like a curled mouse; inhale through nose; exhale softly while shoulders relax.
• Gentle self-hug: arms wrap around knees or shoulders; two calm breaths.
• Thank children for their careful quiet tiptoes and sniffs; preview the next lesson.

Extension Ideas

• Tiptoe maze: place small markers to create tiny pathways with corner freezes.
• Sniff-and-choose game: teacher shows a picture or says an item; children show the matching small reaction silently.
• Stillness challenge: who can hold the lowest, quietest mouse statue for 3 calm counts?