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To teach the children to participate in keeping fit, in a happy atmosphere. Discipline is evident in the nature of the exercise.
To enable children to use their natural sense of rhythm and, by practice, enable the lesser talented to join in and develop a sense of rhythm.
Making pupils aware of their bodies and how supple, or strong, they can become. This class is within a range of all abilities and each child can monitor his, or her, own progress.
Smiles, good humour and compliance are all encouraged, as is good eye contact. Basic notions such as left and right, over/under, behind/in front, up/down, closed/open, bent stretched and taut relaxed are learned. Isolation exercises; using arms, legs, heads, shoulders, heels and toes independently are also part of the sessions, as are co-ordination phrases.
The usage of space as an individual, and spatial awareness within the group, is actively encouraged. Keeping one’s space within the group is also actively encouraged, in addition to the awareness of others. This must be observed, whether in a circle or following others and instructional activities include moving the same way at the same time, copying the teacher’s movements and observation of peers.
These methods of exercise rely on repetition. Within the framework there is a certain flexibility: either lengthening or shortening the movements according to the ambience and capabilities of the class. Changing music, actions and varying patterns allow progress on an individual basis. Gradually the pace quickens, patterns vary and steps become livelier, depending on the ability of the class as a whole.

Tai Chi gives wonderful scope for controlling one’s actions. The children learn to balance, control their bodies and breathe slowly. Their muscles work and become stronger but also learn to relax. Stretching is achieved through relaxation and broad movements.

The main objective is to teach a state of calm and to learn to control breathing (an observer will often notice children yawning and a certain dreamlike quality in the children’s movements). A added bonus is that, because of the imagery used, it stimulates the children to ‘imagine’.

A typical Stretch and Tone/Tai Chi session consists of:
1. Greeting.
2. Finding a space or forming a circle
3. Warming up exercises to music with a good beat.
4. Stretching.
5. Isolation exercises.
6. Toning and limbering.
7. Deplacing (skating, running, kicking, pushing and clapping)