music
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Fitness in the classroom – Dancing
Getting healthy is the most popular new year’s resolution, whether you’ve given up on your resolutions already or not, it’s never too early to help children learn to enjoy physical activity. One of my favorite movement activities to do in the classroom is dancing. They are so many different ways to engage children in this particular activity, from the type of music you choose to the props that you have available. Even the most timid children can enjoy dancing with the group. Here are some ideas to make dancing interesting: Dance with colored scarves Make ribbon rings to dance with Give each child a carpet square to designate their dancing…
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DIY Ribbon Rings
I have a hard time believing that I’ve never shared this easy DIY – It’s my all time favorite indoor movement activity, and I’ve been known to gift Toddlers and preschoolers on my shopping list with some favorite music and their very own sets of DIY ribbon rings. I’ve seen a number of varieties of ribbon wands over the years, but I’m partial to the rings because they are easier for little hands to hold onto, and they pose fewer opportunities for accidental injuries when the dancing gets wild. Rings also require no glue or tape at all because you can tie the ribbon right around the ring itself, so…
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Movement Art
I planned an entire series of posts for this week thinking “It’s February, everyone’s been cooped up inside all winter and we need to MOVE.” Ha, clearly the joke is on me because it’s supposed to be 60 degrees all week here where I am so, all the little ones I know will get plenty of outside time. If the same can’t be said of your home, then this week is for you! If you’re lucky like me and getting some warm weather then be sure to stash these activities away for cold rainy days that are sure to come your way before spring officially gets here. This particular activity…
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Week of the Young Child – Music Monday
Happy Week of the Young Child! I thought I’d celebrate by sharing some fun ideas to help you follow along with NAEYC’s themed days. For more info about the Week of the Young Child celebration you can visit NAEYC’s website, but I’m going to jump right into the fun! I’m loving music monday – Music can change your mood in an instant, so it’s a toll that I used in the classroom all the time. On gloomy days when we’re stuck indoors I put on happy, upbeat music. When the kiddos really need some calm, I put music that is soothing. I fully believe in the power of music, and…
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Friday Freebie – Freeze Dance
Happy Friday! Are you ready for a freebie?! Today’s Friday freebie is a perfect pairing to my posts from earlier this week; Preschool Movement Videos and Preschool Movement Playlist. This cute freeze dance set from Lindsay Jervis includes posters that you hold up when the music stops. The children have to freeze in the same position as the person on the poster. This would be a perfect game for those days when you can’t get outside and the kiddos just need to wiggle. Go download your copy and enjoy your weekend!
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Preschool movement playlist
In the 10 years that I’ve been working in the ECE field I’ve come into contact with a large amount of children’s music. While every teacher loves different musicians, I find myself recommending the same albums over and over simply because these are the two that my students always want me to play when it’s time to dance. These two albums are Big Fun by Greg and Steve and Do Re Mi Toe Leg Knee by Jim Gill. These are the albums that I share with new preschool teachers and new preschool teachers every chance I get, and if I could mash the two albums together to create the perfect preschool movement…
