Dancing in the dark!

Yesterday it was a dark and gloomy day - we celebrated the day instead of feeling blue - by turning off the lights and making it even darker. We got out some glow sticks and danced to the beat of the drum. Oh what fun!

The room was definitely darker - the flash of the camera certainly brightened it up.

The glow sticks did look amazing in the dark as the tots danced about!

Drummin' and a Little Wind!

On the second day of our music and drama month it was all about drums - with a little wind in there as well!

First we tried out the African drum.

Great beats!

Then on to bongos!

Then we added in the African hand drum.

Jammin'!

Then we needed a wind instrument!

Time for the straw whistles - HERE is a good tutorial.

 Fun to play!

Now for finger drums!

Use any small container - a balloon - masking tape - scissors - paint and brush optional!

Cut the end off the balloon - stretch the balloon over the container - tape around edges a couple of times.Note the little bump - it's OK - it's the bottom part of the balloon. You will want this to play the drum - details below.

Paint if you wish.

Wait let's use those balloon bits!

Add more wind!

Make straw the same as the whistles.

Now use those extra balloon pieces and tape them on the uncut end.

These make a different whistle sound.

It's a funny sound - fun to play!

Back to our drum.

You don't tap the drum - you pluck it!

This is where that bump comes in - it makes it easier to grab hold and pluck.

Our finger drum quartet!

Who wants to Jam?

Thanks pal!

IT WAS A FUN DAY!

Oh yeah.....

.....we also played the shakers we made yesterday.....

...and belted out a tune!

Canadian idols!

'D' is for DANCE!

Here in Ontario Canada the weather can present us with moments we would rather be inside. It’s too hot – too cold – rainy or just not conducive for extended play outside. So what we like to do is provide a lot of gross motor activities that can be implemented indoors. One of our favorites is DANCE! We love to throw on some happy tunes and kick up our heels. It’s all about free movement – and letting loose!

Some of our favorite tunes are:

Hands Up  and
The Twist

Dance is for all ages – from the youngest toddler to the eldest friends (me). Everyone wiggles and bops to the beat, with a smile and a giggle. Whenever the urge strikes us we put on a tune and get our bodies moving. To extend the experience, we have dance ribbons and batons which enhances our movement. They assist us in moving in new ways - we experiment with these ‘aids’ allowing our muscles to get a good workout.

As I stated in my Music and Movement post on my blog:

The development of language and memory skills - co-operation and socialization - co-ordination and balance, are supported with music and movement. We are energized and motivated to continue our daily lessons, when we are able to get up and move or burst into song. We are simultaneously building so many important developmental skills, so it would be imperative to have music and movement in the classroom whenever possible. The introduction of music and movement ensures a positive classroom experience. What a great way to let loose and enhance those dramatic urges inside us. 

If dance is not a part of your everyday classroom routine, I would suggest you implement it as soon as you can – daily gratification will be your reward.

*As a part of a 20,000 day celebration on Teach Preschool Deborah J Stewart asked her peers to take part in sharing the ABC's of Teaching Preschool. I was honoured to join in! I hope you visit her blog to see the other wonderful posts in this celebration series.

Link to series: ABC celebration 

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