Pulling Taffy & Ice Cream

Finding an exciting and creative teaching pathway for students can be challenging. When it comes to Pulling Taffy, I think I’ve hit on something fun. Since most people like ice cream, I’ve tapped into the motions involved in preparing ice cream, from scooping to serving.

The first motion involves the body carrying the hand in the direction one is flowing. When shifting left and turning at the waist, the left hand scoops the ice cream up and to the right at waist level. The next motion has the right hand moving upward in a circle, as if putting a topping on the ice cream. Continue with motions that resemble wiping off the ice cream dish and finally serving the dish to a friend. Naturally, there is much more to this movement, but the use of a simple concept like preparing ice cream can help a beginning student get into the movement until greater skill is attained.

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