AM T1.05Moving to Music
The adult sings or plays while the walking child moves freely: swaying, bouncing, walking, turning, and later marching and tiptoeing.
Safety
- Clear the space of toys and sharp furniture corners before the children begin turning and running.
- Scarves are held in the hand, never tied around a child's neck or body, and are collected and put away after the activity.
Presentation
- 1
Clear a space and invite the children to come. Do not require them to join.
- 2
Sing or play a song with a clear beat and begin to move yourself: sway, bend your knees, clap.
- 3
Let each child move in their own way. Do not position their arms or legs.
- 4
Sing slowly and move slowly, then sing faster and move faster. This is the point of interest: the movement changes when the music changes.
- 5
Over several days, add one named movement at a time: walk, march, tiptoe, turn around, sway.
- 6
Keep the time short, about five minutes, and end before the children tire.
- 7
Close with a slow, quiet song and sit down together.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Move while holding a scarf
- Songs with named actions: clap, stamp, turn around
- Move fast or slow when the music changes
- Simple circle or partner dances
Control of error
The music and the adult's movement: the child sees and hears when their movement is faster or slower than the song.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Bounces, sways, or steps when music begins
- Moves faster or slower when the speed of the music changes
- Copies a named movement such as march or tiptoe
- Joins the group without being called
Guide note
If a recording is used, play it at low volume and turn it off afterward. Audio only; no music videos (AAP: no screen media under 18 months other than video chat).