The trick is getting your students to concentrate on recording movement and action rather than on the neatness and perfection of the drawing. Start them out just drawing ovals. Have them hold their pencils or pens loosely and draw round and round. Also, be sure you emphasize overlapping the ovals or they'll create snowmen or Michelin tire men. Proportion should be very general for younger students and more sophisticated for third and fourth graders.
Shoulders are wide enough for three heads.
Fingertip to fingertip with your arms out to the side equals your height. Arms and hands at the side fall halfway between knees and hips. Arms and legs bend at the halfway point. Hips are halfway down the body-you can fold in half. Artists also study the way the body moves and bends.